The government says plans are far advanced to redevelop key tourist attraction sites within the country to boost domestic tourism.
Some of the tourist attraction sites, the government noted will include; the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Salaga and Pikworo Slave Camps, and the Yaa Asantewaa Museum.
Speaking during the mid-year budget review in Parliament on the back of the government’s touted domestic tourism campaign dubbed: “Experience Ghana, share Ghana”, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta referenced the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which is intended to attract over one billion tourists.
“Our goal is to complement this campaign, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which was redeveloped and modernised with support from the World Bank and other development partners, was commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on 4th July 2023. The redeveloped park will boost domestic and heritage tourism and is expected to attract over 1 million tourists annually.
“Government will continue with the redevelopment of Aburi Botanical Gardens, Salaga and Pikworo Slavery Camps and Yaa Asantewaa Mausoleum to boost domestic tourism.”
Mr. Ofori-Atta also noted that the government is committed to partnering with the Ghana Museums and Management Board (GMMB) to renovate some forts and castles within the country.
“Furthermore, in partnership with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) efforts will continue to renovate selected Forts, Castles and Museums across the country.
“Mr. Speaker, Government will work closely with the private sector to improve key tourist sites and events as part of the Beyond the Year of Return initiative. We have made considerable progress towards achieving 1.2 million visitors for 2023 with 150,000 jobs along the value chain, and 2 million foreign visitors and 1.5 million in domestic tourism by 2025.”