Ghana Targets Year-Round Tourism with US$1bn Investment in Hotels, Convention Centre and Medical Tourism

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to invest US$1 billion in Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sector as part of efforts to position the country as a year-round destination for international visitors and strengthen its contribution to the national economy.

The proposal, outlined in the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, forms part of the government’s Pillar Five agenda, which seeks to use Ghana’s history, culture, peace and democratic stability to attract visitors, generate foreign exchange and create sustainable employment.

According to Dr Forson, the investment will focus on developing tourism infrastructure, expanding accommodation facilities, attracting international conferences and promoting medical tourism.

A major component of the plan is for the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to build and operate an ultra-modern international convention centre at the La Trade Fair Centre.

The government intends to position Accra as Ghana’s principal international conference and business tourism hub, with Kumasi serving as a complementary destination for business, cultural and other major events.

To strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the international conference market, a professional convention bureau is expected to be established in 2027 to secure recurring African and global conferences.

The Finance Minister also disclosed plans for SSNIT to construct five hotels across the country by 2030, with the government expected to provide tax incentives to support the projects.

The proposed facilities include a five-star hotel in Accra and another in Kumasi, alongside modern and affordable four-star hotels in the Cape Coast and Elmina heritage corridor, the Volta Region and Northern Ghana.

The hotel developments are intended to address accommodation needs in key tourism destinations while supporting the government’s broader ambition of spreading tourism activities beyond the traditional peak season.

Another major component of the investment is the proposed establishment of a Ghana Medical Tourism Hub, which will connect specialist hospitals, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation facilities, hotels, laboratories and pharmacies.

The government plans to provide targeted tax incentives for the hub, as well as serviced land and trunk infrastructure, to encourage private-sector participation and attract international patients.

Dr Forson further announced plans to complete a new National Theatre in Kumasi, which is expected to serve as a centre for cultural performances, conferences and activities within the creative industry.

The budget also identifies the Black Star Experience as a key part of the strategy to make Ghana a year-round tourism destination. The programme is expected to operate throughout all 12 months, supported by a national events calendar and competitive destination-bidding arrangements to attract visitors across different seasons and regions.

The government expects the proposed investments to increase tourist arrivals, encourage visitors to stay longer, raise tourism spending and improve foreign exchange earnings by 2030.

It also expects the initiative to create opportunities for local businesses, including farmers, food suppliers, transport operators, craftspeople, artists, technology firms and event organisers.

The US$1 billion investment is therefore intended to move Ghana’s tourism industry beyond seasonal activities and establish it as a stronger contributor to economic growth, employment and foreign exchange generation.