AGP Executive Report

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.

Tourism’s Economic Weight: A deputy Ghana Tourism Authority boss says tourism is the country’s third-largest GDP contributor, after gold and oil. Ghana recorded 1.79 million domestic tourism visits in 2025, while international arrivals rose slightly. Major Event Boost: More than 10,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries are expected in Accra for the World Assemblies of God Congress, October 14–16, bringing potential business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors and tourism businesses. Ada’s Potential: The coastal town’s beaches, estuary, mangroves and birdlife could support ecotourism, while a proposed medical city may add a healthcare-travel draw. Coming Up: Black Star Fashion Week, scheduled for November 4–7 in Accra and Senchi, aims to showcase Ghanaian design and attract industry visitors. Visa Scrutiny: The GTA denies collecting money for World Cup visa opportunities, saying its role was limited to facilitating applications as allegations surrounding the tourism promotion initiative face investigation.

World Cup Visa Dispute: The Ghana Tourism Authority denies taking money for visa opportunities linked to its plan to showcase Ghanaian tourism and culture at the 2026 World Cup. The Minority alleges applicants paid thousands of dollars; the GTA says it only helped selected participants with application guidance and that visa decisions rested with foreign authorities. Congress Tourism Boost: Assemblies of God organisers expect visitors from more than 100 countries for the October 14–16 World Congress in Accra, reporting strong hotel bookings and delegates visiting tourist attractions. Nzulezu on Screen: Lil Win’s film A Journey To Africa is being shot at the stilt settlement in the Western Region, with local leaders backing the production and its potential to spotlight the area.

La Pleasure Beach: La Traditional Council says it was left out of the resort’s demolition plans and wants a role in future development, renewing questions over who controls this stretch of Accra’s coast. Air Connectivity: Etihad and Ibom Air’s interline deal will let passengers book one journey through Accra to five Nigerian cities, with Etihad’s Accra service due to start in March 2027. World Cup Travel Probe: The Minority is seeking a wider inquiry into alleged visa irregularities involving the Ghana Tourism Authority and other agencies; the Sports Ministry denies wrongdoing. Tourism Events: Cape Coast is set to host the 6th Inter Tourism Expo this October, while Hogbetsotso 2026 is being promoted as a boost for tourism and local businesses.

Tourism Governance: The Minority is seeking a wider probe into alleged World Cup visa irregularities involving the Ghana Tourism Authority and other agencies. The Sports Ministry denies wrongdoing, while suspended NSA chief Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says he will wait for the police investigation before answering Parliament. Coastal Attractions: Demolitions at La Pleasure Beach have raised questions over livelihoods and land ownership. Authorities say compensation is coming, while the La Traditional Council disputes SSNIT’s claim to the beachfront. Festivals & Events: Hogbetsotso 2026 is set to promote tourism and local businesses, and Cape Coast will host the 6th Inter Tourism Expo this October. Visitor Information: Ghana Airports Company advises travellers to arrive at Accra International Airport three hours before departure as screening is enhanced.

Tourism Authority Scrutiny: The Ghana Tourism Authority faces questions over World Cup visa arrangements after the Minority alleged only two of 50 names submitted as media practitioners could be verified. The claims remain unproven, and calls are growing for an investigation. Accra and the Coast: A road facelift is planned ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary in March 2027. Meanwhile, La Pleasure Beach’s demolition has disrupted businesses; officials say compensation will be assessed, while SSNIT has outlined plans to redevelop the beachfront as a tourism hub. Festivals and Travel: Hogbetsotso 2026 is set to promote tourism and local businesses, and the 6th Inter Tourism Expo will take place in Cape Coast this October. From March 2027, Etihad and Ibom Air’s agreement will let passengers arriving in Accra connect on a single ticket to five Nigerian cities.

World Cup Visa Probe: The Minority is demanding transparency from the Ghana Tourism Authority over alleged World Cup visa fees of $7,000–$14,000 and claims that non-staff were included in travel arrangements. The claims have not been independently established. Medical Travel: Ghana’s Foreign Ministry says travellers seeking treatment in South Africa for more than 90 days should obtain a medical treatment visa; visa-free entry covers short stays. Conference Tourism: SSNIT plans to build an 81,422-square-metre Accra Convention Centre at the Trade Fair Centre, with a 3,000-seat hall and four auditoriums, to host major events. Beaches and Festivals: A committee is to determine compensation for businesses affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition, while Hogbetsotso 2026 is set to promote tourism and local businesses. Tourism and Conservation: The Forestry Commission says tourism can be more sustainable than gold and cocoa, underscoring the value of protecting Ghana’s natural attractions.

National Cathedral Debate: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says Ghana’s National Cathedral should be completed, arguing it can boost tourism and national unity, while also criticising government “inconsistency” over the project’s future use. Youth Football & Travel Strain: Black Starlets’ WAFU Zone B U-17 campaign in Burkina Faso highlights travel and accommodation concerns, with the team reportedly moving by road en route to Ouagadougou. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Hogbetsotso 2026 in Anlo is set to promote tourism and local business, while the European Film Festival returns to Ghana after five years, focusing on peace and inclusion. Beach Economy Shock: Accra’s La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club were demolished at La Pleasure Beach Hotel’s request; a compensation committee is expected to be formed soon for affected businesses. Safety & Travel Advisory: Ghana warns citizens about fraudulent job offers in Zambia after six Ghanaians were arrested in a cybercrime raid, urging strict checks before travel. WASH & Community Needs: Nabdam communities in Upper East face acute water shortages and poor toilet facilities, with training on climate-resilient WASH advocacy. Air Connectivity: Etihad and Ibom Air sign an interline deal to connect five Nigerian cities to Etihad’s global network via Lagos and Accra from March 2027. Tourism Sustainability: Forestry Commission says tourism can be more sustainable than gold and cocoa, urging patronage of local attractions.