Ghana recorded 1,288,804 international arrivals in 2024—a 12% increase compared to the previous year—cementing its reputation as one of West Africa’s leading travel destinations, according to the 2024 Tourism Report released by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Business travel emerged as the top reason for visiting Ghana, accounting for 22.43% of all arrivals. Closely following were visits to family and friends (22.29%), holidays or vacations (22.15%), and study or teaching purposes (7.06%). Other reasons included participation in conferences, attendance at cultural and sporting events, and transit travel.
Over 1.13 million visitors entered the country through Kotoka International Airport, making it the primary gateway. Land borders such as Aflao, Elubo, and Paga also saw significant traffic.
In terms of visitor origin, the United States topped the list with 137,862 arrivals, followed by Nigeria (111,581) and the United Kingdom (52,845). These three countries continue to play a key role in driving inbound tourism, reflecting Ghana’s strong diaspora ties and regional business connections.
Visitor sentiment remained highly positive. A notable 88% of international visitors described Ghana as an “ideal tourism destination.” Respondents cited Ghanaian hospitality (94%), cultural heritage (39%), local cuisine (28%), and safety (39%) as standout features of their experience.
In addition, 78% of visitors rated their overall stay in Ghana as excellent, with high marks given to tour guide services, restaurants, wildlife attractions, and iconic historical sites, including forts and castles along the coast.
As global tourism continues to rebound from pandemic-era disruptions, the GTA notes that Ghana’s long-term growth will depend on investments in infrastructure, service quality improvements, and the strategic promotion of cultural assets. The agency believes that leveraging data-driven policies and public-private partnerships will further elevate Ghana’s status as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travel in Africa.
