The Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has declared September as Ghana's official month of tourism.

In an interview with Joy Prime's Ibrahim Ben-Baku, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority Akwesi Agyeman revealed that the decision was made after much discussion and analysis.

He explained that although March is Ghana's heritage month, there are several activities, including Yenko Kwaku, festivals like Fetu Afahye and Asogli Yam festival and the celebration of Nkrumah's birthday among others, all in September.

Mr. Agyeman stated that this, coupled with September 27's recognition as World Tourism Day, the ministry felt it right to declare the ninth month of the year as Tourism Month.

"We realised that even though March is the heritage month, September has World Tourism Day, so let’s make it a full month of activities and invite the private sector and the traditional councils to once again work with us. So far it is going well," he said.

Also speaking at the launch, Deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku Mantey said as part of plans to support the agenda, he will be attending some festivals slated for this month including the Odwira festival and visiting other tourists and potential tourist sites.

He also used the opportunity to call on businessmen to invest in the tourism industry.

He noted that "tourism is the new kid on the block now, it’s the newest and sexiest brand in Ghana now. Everyone is discussing tourism, so businessmen, take advantage of it now. December in GH has made Ghanaians very powerful.

"Almost all the hotels in Accra are already booked for December in GH, that is why we are putting more promotional materials out there so all hotels will be booked and restaurants also to be full," Mr Okraku Mantey said.