Ghana's tourism industry is a diverse labour market that offers various employment opportunities, including Travel and Tours, Accommodation, Food and Beverage, Transportation, Attractions, Craft Villages, Events, and Conferences. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTaC) regulates tourism in Ghana. Its primary responsibility is to develop and promote tourism-related activities in Ghana. The Ministry aims to create a conducive environment for tourism, arts, and culture to thrive and contribute to socio-economic development by implementing relevant policies, plans, programs, and initiatives. MoTaC also collaborates with the Diaspora to increase resource mobilization and investment through tourism.

Tourism has a long history in Ghana, dating back to the fifteenth century when the Portuguese arrived on the shores of the Gold Coast in 1471. They discovered a lot of gold between the rivers Ankobra and Volta during their tour of the land. In 1482, they established a trading post at Elmina to enhance their trading activities, especially in gold and slaves. The Dutch also arrived on the Gold Coast in 1598 to trade. In 1874, the British took advantage of the vast land to colonize the people of Gold Coast and expand their political power until the country gained independence in 1957.

Tourists from all over the world, including South and Latin America, Asia, and Europe, visit Ghana every day. The country has a lot to offer in terms of unique tourist attractions such as beautiful landscapes, wildlife, national parks and natural reserves, scenic mountains and landscapes, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, artwork, music, dance, drama/theatre, film, culture, and folklore. Additionally, Ghana has dozens of castles and forts, palm-lined sandy beaches, caves, mountains, and rivers that are worth exploring.

Ghana is a popular destination for tourists who are attracted to its tropical warm climate all year round. The country hosts several events that have both international and domestic appeal, such as PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebration, Paragliding festival, Carnivals, Choral festival, National Festival of Arts and Culture, Year of Return, and HOMOFEST.

Ghana's tourism industry is a thriving economic sector that showcases the country's rich natural and cultural heritage to the world. Every year, tourists visit Ghana to explore its stunning landscapes, savour local delicacies and admire traditional crafts. In 2022, nearly a million international tourists visited the country, generating a total of US$2 billion in revenue for the government to fund developmental activities. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTaC) projects that tourism revenue would reach an estimated US$3.4 billion by the end of 2023.

REFERENCE

Information form https://www.motac.gov.gh/tourist-sites/, https://ghana.travel/ and https://www.statista.com/statistics/1278510/contribution-of-tourism-to-gdp-in-ghana/ was used in this story