Ghana welcomed 1.29m visitors in 2024; 22.4% came for business

Ghana welcomed 1,288,804 international visitors in 2024, representing a 12% year-on-year increase as the country maintained its status as one of West Africa’s top travel destinations.

According to the 2024 Tourism Report by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), 22.43% of these visitors came for business, making it the leading reason for travel to Ghana last year.

Study or teaching recorded (7,06%), visits to family and friends (22.29%), and holidays or vacations (22.15%) — showing a near-even distribution across the top four travel motivations. Other reasons included conferences, cultural events, sports, and transit.

The majority of international arrivals — over 1.13 million — entered the country through Kotoka International Airport, while Aflao, Elubo, and Paga also served as notable land entry points.

In terms of visitor origin, the United States led with 137,862 arrivals, followed by Nigeria with 111,581, and the United Kingdom with 52,845. These three countries accounted for a significant share of Ghana’s inbound traffic, reinforcing the country’s strong ties to the diaspora and business communities abroad.

Perceptions of Ghana remained overwhelmingly positive. A striking 88% of international respondents described Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination,” citing Ghanaian hospitality (94%), cultural heritage (39%), local cuisine (28%), and safety (39%) as key attributes that shaped their experiences.

Visitor satisfaction was equally strong, with 78% rating their overall experience as excellent, and high scores recorded for tour guide services, restaurants, wildlife attractions, and historical sites such as forts and castles.

As global tourism steadies following pandemic-related disruptions, Ghana’s continued growth will depend on improved infrastructure, better service delivery, and the strategic promotion of its rich cultural offerings.

The GTA believes these factors, combined with data-driven policy and investment, can firmly position Ghana as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers in Africa.