AGP Executive Report

Travel Health: Builsa South has stepped up surveillance and public education after yellow fever cases emerged in neighbouring Upper West. The district reports no confirmed cases, while vaccination efforts are under way in three Upper West districts. Tourism Investment: President Mahama says a proposed US$10 billion, five-year investment plan will include tourism. Ghana has also proposed a visa-waiver agreement with Lebanon for diplomatic, service and ordinary passport holders; it is not yet in force. Heritage & New Attractions: South Korea is providing US$4.5 million over five years to restore Ghana’s forts and castles, as officials explore underwater sightseeing and shipwreck tourism. Coastal Tourism: GHATOF is seeking compensation for 85 businesses affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition, while Ellembelle has relaunched a 250-worker beach-cleaning programme. Hospitality: HOTCATT and ABE-UK are urging workers to upgrade their skills, as a recent GSS report points to weakening room demand despite ample accommodation capacity.

Hospitality Skills: HOTCATT and UK awarding body ABE Global are partnering to offer accredited training, urging Ghana’s hospitality workers to build practical skills and improve service standards. Tourism Recognition: Ghanaian tourism and aviation entrepreneur Mary Nyamekye Asamoah won the Africa Travel 100 Tour Operators Award at Akwaaba Travel Market. Coastal Tourism: Ellembelle has relaunched its Eco-Brigade, employing 250 people to clean beaches and support marine ecosystems. In Accra, tourism advocates warn that the La Pleasure Beach demolition leaves a gap in the city’s leisure offering, with affected businesses seeking compensation. New Attractions: Ghana is exploring underwater sightseeing and shipwreck tourism, while South Korea has pledged US$4.5 million over five years to help restore the country’s forts and castles. Travel Links: Ghana has proposed a visa-waiver agreement with Lebanon for diplomatic, service and ordinary passport holders to encourage travel and business ties.

Tourism Recognition: Ghanaian travel entrepreneur Mary Nyamekye Asamoah won the Africa Travel 100 Tour Operators Award at Akwaaba 2026, recognising her work in tourism, aviation and industry training. Access to Attractions: Residents of Liati Soba and Liati Wote say poor roads are deterring visitors to Mount Afadja and Tagbo Falls, and have appealed for repairs. Tourism Partnerships: Jamaican entrepreneur Roy Page met Ghana Tourism Authority officials to advance community-based tourism and cultural exchange, with Paga named as the first beneficiary community. Heritage and New Experiences: South Korea is providing $4.5 million over five years to restore Ghana’s forts and castles, while Ghana is exploring underwater sightseeing and shipwreck tourism. Accommodation and Beach Businesses: A GSS report says room demand is weakening despite ample accommodation capacity. Separately, businesses affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition say their investments and livelihoods are at risk; Polo Beach Club has hinted at a comeback.

Access to Attractions: Residents of Liati Soba and Liati Wote say poor roads are deterring visitors to Mount Afadja and Tagbo Falls, hurting tourism businesses and local jobs. They are urging district and regional authorities to act. Community Tourism: Jamaican tourism entrepreneur Roy Page is working with Ghana’s Tourism Authority on community-based projects, starting in Paga. Separately, the Ghana–Jamaica Homecoming Festival is set for Accra on December 4–5, combining cultural events with trade and tourism activities. Investment: Ghana’s investment agency is highlighting 128 projects across five northern regions, including opportunities in tourism, ahead of its November summit. Beach Businesses: Operators affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition say they have received no word on their losses or livelihoods; Polo Beach Club, meanwhile, has teased a comeback at a new location. Getting Around: GAPTE is repairing buses and seeking more vehicles as demand grows for Accra’s Aayalolo contra-flow service, now running on three major corridors.

Heritage Tourism: South Korea will provide US$4.5 million over five years to help Ghana restore its forts and castles, with support from UNESCO, as coastal erosion and climate change threaten the historic sites. New Experiences: Ghana is exploring underwater sightseeing and shipwreck tourism, while Jamaican tourism entrepreneur Roy Page is in Ghana to advance a community tourism partnership. Beach Businesses: GHATOF is seeking compensation for 85 businesses affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition and wants displaced traders considered in redevelopment plans. Travel Update: St Kitts and Nevis passport holders must obtain a free electronic travel authorisation before travelling to Ghana. Industry Watch: Hotel room demand is weakening despite ample accommodation capacity, according to a Ghana Statistical Service report. Meanwhile, the NPP is demanding an inquiry into alleged World Cup visa irregularities involving travel arrangements and the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Beachfront Businesses: GHATOF is seeking compensation for 85 businesses displaced by the La Pleasure Beach demolition, warning that about 4,000 jobs are at risk and urging traders to get first choice in any redevelopment. Travel Scrutiny: The NPP is demanding a public inquiry into alleged World Cup visa irregularities involving the Ghana Tourism Authority and other bodies; the claims remain under investigation. New Tourism Experiences: Ghana is exploring underwater sightseeing around shipwrecks and other submerged heritage, while stressing the need to protect these sites. Heritage Preservation: South Korea has pledged US$4.5 million over five years to help restore Ghana’s forts and castles, which face coastal erosion and climate threats. Accommodation: A Ghana Statistical Service report says hotel room demand is weakening despite ample capacity.

Travel Costs: Ghana’s 20% VAT on qualifying cross-border digital services begins today and covers online travel bookings. The GRA says it should not automatically raise prices where providers already collect the tax. Tourism Links: Jamaican tourism figure Roy Page is in Ghana to advance tourism, while Lufthansa’s selection to buy a stake in TAP keeps Accra among the airline’s African destinations; the deal still needs regulatory approval and does not guarantee cheaper fares or more flights. Hotels: A GSS report says room demand is weakening despite ample accommodation capacity, a concern for hotels and tourism operators. Beaches: SSNIT says Labadi beachfront will remain public and promises space and jobs for displaced traders, as demolition has left businesses in limbo.

Community Tourism: Jamaican tourism entrepreneur Roy Page is in Ghana to build Jamaica–Africa links through community-based tourism, with proposed projects aimed at turning local communities into tourism destinations. Investment Potential: Northern Region officials are pitching tourism and hospitality alongside agriculture and logistics, urging investors to help turn the region’s opportunities into jobs and growth. Beachfront Businesses: La Pleasure Beach operators say last week’s demolition destroyed businesses and livelihoods, highlighting the uncertainty facing tourism businesses along the coast. Nzulezu Spotlight: Filmmaker Lil Win says some Nigerian actors declined the boat trip to Nzulezu over safety concerns, exposing the logistical challenges of filming at the stilt village. Hotel Demand: Ghana Statistical Service reports hotel-room demand has fallen despite ample capacity, suggesting that more rooms alone may not bring more guests.

Community Tourism: Jamaican tourism entrepreneur Roy Page is in Ghana to advance a programme that would develop rural communities, starting with Paga in the Upper East, as sustainable visitor destinations. Accra Event Travel: The Assemblies of God World Congress opens in Accra, with about 10,000 delegates expected from more than 100 countries and organisers anticipating a boost for tourism. Hotels: Ghana Statistical Service figures show room demand fell from 2.14 million occupied room-nights in March 2025 to 1.99 million in June; hotels averaged occupancy of just 32.4% to 34.9%. Beachfront Businesses: La Pleasure Beach operators say the demolition of shoreline structures has left them facing heavy losses and uncertainty, with some still waiting for authorities to discuss their concerns.

Faith Tourism: Accra is hosting the Assemblies of God World Congress from October 14–16, with more than 10,000 delegates expected from over 100 countries—a major opportunity for hotels and tourism businesses. Culture & Events: The Ghana Food & Arts Festival is taking its showcase of Ghanaian food, arts and culture abroad, with a Barcelona edition planned for November 24–26 to promote the country and connect businesses with international partners. Beach Access: SSNIT says Labadi beachfront will remain public and promises space and jobs for displaced traders, including an African market before Christmas, as redevelopment plans draw concern. Regional Tourism: Western Region advocates say poor roads are holding back eco-tourism; Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose only marginally.

Accra’s Beaches: Labadi beachfront will remain public despite redevelopment, SSNIT says, and it plans to provide displaced traders with market space and jobs before Christmas. Meanwhile, La Pleasure Beach workers and supporters are protesting demolitions they say have damaged businesses and livelihoods. Volta on Screen: Musician Edem will guide viewers through the region’s attractions on Revealed: The New Era, including Fort Prinzenstein, Mount Gemi and the kente-weaving community of Tafi Abuife. Tourism Demand: Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose marginally. Visitor Boost: Accra hosts the Assemblies of God World Congress from October 14–16, with about 10,000 delegates expected—a major opportunity for local tourism businesses.

Labadi Beach: SSNIT says the beachfront will remain public as it plans a tourism redevelopment, with new leisure facilities and efforts to find space for displaced traders. Tourism Access: Avatime’s chief says deteriorating roads are keeping visitors from Mount Gemi, waterfalls and other eco-tourism attractions, and is urging urgent repairs. Travel Integrity: A World Cup visa controversy involving the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority and Tribe Culture Fest remains under investigation; allegations of improper payments are disputed. Western Region: Ghana’s tourism authority is promoting investment in the region, which received more than 12 cruise ships and 12,000 visitors in 2025. Accra Events: The World Assemblies of God Congress brings international delegates to Accra from October 14 to 16, marking the first time the event is hosted in Africa.

Labadi Beachfront: SSNIT says it plans to provide affected traders with an African Market before Christmas, as redevelopment reshapes business at one of Accra’s best-known beach destinations. Travel Safety: Ghana has warned citizens to limit travel in Johannesburg and Durban amid anti-migrant protests. Tourism Demand: Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose only marginally. Investment and Events: Peduase Valley Resort has opened its Luxury Height, while organisers expect 10,000 delegates at the World Assemblies of God Congress in Accra, with tourism benefits anticipated. World Cup Travel: The Ghana Tourism Authority denies collecting money for visa opportunities, as scrutiny continues over arrangements linked to the 2026 tournament. Industry Spotlight: Tourism officials say the sector is Ghana’s third-largest contributor to GDP; Cape Coast is also set to host the 6th Inter Tourism Expo this month.

Labadi Beachfront: SSNIT says it is documenting workers and traders affected by changes at the beachfront and plans an African market before Christmas, alongside possible hotel jobs for some displaced workers. World Cup Travel: The Sports Minister says the US Embassy introduced Tribe Fest Culture to the National Sports Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority ahead of 2026 World Cup activities. The Ministry denies involvement in alleged visa irregularities, while a police investigation continues; the GTA has denied collecting visa payments. Tourism Promotion: Digital creator Nii Okine Tagoe has been named the Western Region’s Digital Tourism Icon for showcasing its beaches, forts and cultural attractions. Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose marginally. Travel Safety: Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria advises citizens in Johannesburg and Durban to avoid protest areas, expect travel disruption and follow local safety updates.

Western Region Tourism: Digital creator Nii Okine Tagoe has been named the Ghana Tourism Authority’s Digital Tourism Icon of the Year for promoting the region’s forts, beaches and cultural attractions. A new hotel, The Groove, won the region’s five-star facility award. Nzulezu on Screen: Jomoro MP Dorcas Affo-Toffey has backed Lil Win’s film A Journey to Africa, now shooting at Nzulezu with a cast of Ghanaian and Nigerian actors. New Stay: Peduase Valley Resort has opened its Luxury Height facility, adding to the area’s accommodation options. Tourism’s Reach: Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose marginally; a deputy GTA boss says tourism is the country’s third-largest GDP contributor. Coastal Access: La Pleasure Beach’s demolition and plans for beachfront redevelopment have prompted calls for consultation, with local leaders and residents seeking a say in the future of the coast. Events and Visitors: Ghana expects a tourism boost from the World Assemblies of God Congress, which is set to bring 10,000 delegates to Accra.

Beach Soccer: Ghana’s Black Sharks drew 3–3 with Nigeria in Kaduna, leaving their AFCON qualifying tie level ahead of the decisive second leg in Keta on October 18. Coastal Tourism: Senyo Hosi has questioned government plans for beachfront takeovers, warning that coastal communities need consultation as debate grows over La Beach’s future. Hospitality: Peduase Valley Resort has opened its new Luxury Heights accommodation wing, adding premium rooms and hill views in the Eastern Region. Tourism Outlook: Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose slightly. The country also expects an economic boost from the World Assemblies of God Congress, which is set to bring 10,000 delegates to Accra.