Ghanaian artists stress collaboration and innovation at tourism forum

They made these known at the just-ended Presidential Summit on Tourism 2023, which took place at the Peduase Lodge in Aburi this week.

The forum was held under the auspices of Ghana’s head of state Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The event, which sought to inject new impetus into tourism players so that the sector can be used to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable practices, was attended by key officials such as Tourism minister Dr Ibrahim Awal Mohammed and his deputy Mark Okraku-Mantey.

In his submission, Okyeame Kyame asked the stakeholders to be intentional about forging strategic partnerships with artists.

“If a musician decides to shoot a video at, say, Aburi Gardens, can our ministry give such an artist tax rebates or can such an artist be given an incentive. In that case, more artists will use our heritage sites and I tell you that if you put the 10 top Ghanaian musicians on YouTube together and they shoot a music video on one of our heritage sites, 100 million people will see it in less than 100 days.”

He also called on relevant government organisations to partner with award schemes and give awards to the most culturally relevant and tourism-conscious artists.

“Once we begin to do that and give plaques and some form of reward to artists, more artists will decide to be associated with our industry and the synergy will stand and growth will be imminent.”

On his part, Samini stressed the place of strategic collaborations across the continent, elevating Ghanaian culture to global standards, training and attracting the youth to tourism. He also touched on policies for the sector, encouraging constructive dialogues between the government and the private sector.

Meanwhile, Ghana aims to welcome approximately 1.2 million international tourists this year, contributing an estimated revenue of around $3.4 billion to the sector. As part of its medium-term strategy, the country also aspires to achieve two million arrivals by 2025, generating a minimum revenue of $5.2 billion.

During the opening ceremony, President Akufo-Addo charged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to intensify its promotional efforts in order to attain the goal of welcoming two million international visitors by 2025. Achieving this target, he said, would not only contribute approximately $4 billion to the national economy but also generate a substantial number of jobs within the tourism sector and its associated industries.

The president also highlighted the significance of tourism in Ghana, stressing the country’s rich heritage that attracts global attention. “From our lush rain forests to our vibrant markets, to the historic castles and serene beaches including the various cultural festivals and wealth of natural beauty  –  cultural diversity and historical significance that draws the world’s attention  –  tourism has always been a cornerstone of our heritage,” he said.

“Let us unite our efforts, share knowledge, and pull resources,” Akufo Addo added. “Let us create a comprehensive framework that facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and innovation. Together, we can develop sustainable tourism models, empower domestic entrepreneurs, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of our beloved country.”

Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Akwasi Agyeman acknowledged the potential of tourism in driving economic growth and sustainable development, emphasising the need for constant adaptation, innovation and a fresh approach to tourism to fully capitalise on its potential.