The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has disclosed that Ghana generated an estimated $4.34 billion from 1.3 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, as the tourism, culture and creative arts sector recorded growth across several key areas.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 10, the Tourism Minister outlined developments and achievements in the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors since taking office.

According to the minister, Ghana recorded 1,303,962 international tourist arrivals in 2025, up from 1,288,804 arrivals recorded in 2024.

She said the increase in international arrivals translated into significant revenue for the country, with the sector generating an estimated $4.34 billion in tourism receipts during the year.

She also reported growth in domestic tourism, with visits increasing from 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025, representing a seven per cent increase.

The minister also highlighted the performance of Ghana's major tourist attractions, saying the 10 most visited sites collectively attracted 1,377,588 visitors in 2025.

She said the figure represented roughly 27 per cent of all domestic tourism site visits recorded nationwide.

The 10 leading attractions were the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kakum National Park, Bunso Arboretum Eco Park, Cape Coast Castle, Manhyia Palace, Kumasi Zoo, Accra Zoo, Elmina Castle, Shai Hills Resource Reserve and the Aburi Botanical Garden.

Ms Gomashie said that only three of the 10 attractions are directly under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, while the others are managed through different institutions.

The figures, she said, showed the continued importance of Ghana's tourism sites to both domestic and international tourism and the need for sustained investment in their development and management.

The minister also provided an update on efforts to support Ghana's creative industries.

She said a proposed fund for the creative arts was expected to stimulate production, improve the quality of creative content and create jobs, while also strengthening Ghana's intellectual property position in both local and international markets.

“The fund is anticipated to catalyse production activity, improve content quality, create jobs, strengthen Ghana's intellectual property for both domestic and international markets,” she said.

Ms Gomashie disclosed that work was ongoing to finalise the modalities for putting the fund into operation, with the Attorney-General's Ministry involved in the process.

The minister outlined measures being taken to improve the facility and its contribution to the country's tourism, culture and creative arts industries.

She said the ministry had developed a strategic plan for the National Theatre covering the period 2026 to 2030.

“We have successfully crafted a strategic plan 2026 to 2030 to guide the running of the National Theatre of Ghana and ensure its optimal contribution to the tourism, culture, and creative arts industry,” she said.

According to the minister, the strategic plan was launched in March 2026 and is intended to provide a clear direction for the management and development of the facility.

She also disclosed that the ministry had negotiated support from a German theatre group, resulting in the donation of a 40-foot container filled with lighting and sound equipment for the National Theatre.