THE LEGACY OF TOURISM IN GHANA UNDER NANA AKUFO-ADDO (Conclusion)

Isaac ‘Parlos’ Clottey

jamrock4ever@gmail.com

Infrastructure Development and Product Enhancement:

The Akufo-Addo administration undertook a product improvement plan, investing in the refurbishment and upgrading of several key tourist sites. Notable projects included:

The iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was significantly renovated and transformed into the Kwame Nkrumah Museum.  

Upgrades to the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Yaa Asantewaa Memorial Museum, Kente Museum in Bonwire, Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, Mole National Park, and Kakum National Park.

Development of new attractions such as the Nationalism Park and the upcoming Heroes Park.  

Construction and upgrading of other sites like the Tano-Boase Sacred Grove and Heritage Site, and the Salaga Slave Market.

Efforts were made towards skills development within the tourism sector, supported by initiatives like the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme.  

Financial support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the hospitality and beverage sector was also pursued, with negotiations for World Bank funding.

Policy and Strategic Focus:

The government identified tourism as a key policy for economic diversification.

A four-fold strategic approach was outlined for tourism development: Preservation (safeguarding natural and cultural heritage), Promotion (strategic marketing and enhanced digital presence), Policy Leadership (creating a conducive investment climate through initiatives like e-Visas, visa-on-arrival, and the Homeland Return Act), and Partnership (collaborative approach involving all stakeholders).  

Presidential Summits on Tourism were held to engage stakeholders and strategise on rethinking tourism for economic growth and job creation.

Decentralising national celebrations, such as Independence Day, to various regions was also a strategy to promote regional tourism and showcase diverse cultures.

Challenges:

The most significant challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted international travel and tourism in 2020 and 2021.

While significant strides were made, ongoing discussions continued regarding the need for sustained and potentially increased investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing to fully realise the sector's potential compared to other economic sectors.

Overall, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration placed a strong emphasis on tourism, leveraging Ghana's unique historical and cultural heritage to attract global visitors, particularly those of African descent. Landmark campaigns like the "Year of Return" and "Beyond the Return" significantly elevated Ghana's profile as a leading tourism destination in Africa.