Tourism, arts and culture are essential to Ghana’s economic growth

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal revealed plans to revitalize the tourism sector to become a strong and indispensable force that would contribute at least $ 5 billion per year to the economic transformation of Ghana.

Dr Awal, who is expected to use his business acumen and entrepreneurial skills to change the face of Ghana’s tourism industry, revealed how he intends to make the sector a number one contributor to the country’s GDP.

Speaking at a 2-day retreat organized for management staff and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, held in Akosombo in the Eastern region, the Minister a stressed that it would infuse business prospects in accordance with the strategic direction of the ministry to reap more revenue for the state.

Dr Awal said that by keeping the government’s Ghana Beyond Aid program up to date, he was more than ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to make Ghana an attractive tourist destination in Africa by boosting tourism, culture and the creative arts sectors. .

He described it as multi-billion dollar industries, which needed the utmost attention and government support to thrive.

The minister also unveiled his plan to make domestic tourism his top priority by improving tourist centers to attract at least one million local tourists per year.

As part of his unwavering commitment to make Ghana’s tourism hub a game changer in Ghana’s economic transformation, Dr Awal has pledged to create huge employment opportunities for Ghanaian citizens in the industry.

Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal revealed that upon taking office, President Akufo-Addo challenged him to use his business and entrepreneurship skills to change the face of the tourism industry in Ghana, and accordingly promised not to deviate from this call.

He pleaded with all heads of agencies under the ministry to work closely and more transparently with him for the betterment of Ghana.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, earlier in his speech officially welcomed the Hon. Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal at the ministry, adding that the meeting should also give policymakers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and how it has performed over the years under the leadership of the heads of agency.

During this time, eleven (11) heads of agencies reporting to the ministry took turns to present their presentations on the political interventions and activities of their respective agencies.