The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has outlined a series of interventions aimed at transforming Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sector as part of the government’s development agenda for 2027 to 2030.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 12, 2026, under the theme The New Economy: New Ghana, Jobs and Prosperity, Dr Ato Forson said the government would implement its development plans through eight interconnected pillars.

The creative arts, culture and tourism sector falls under Pillar Five of the government's development agenda, which focuses on using the country's cultural heritage, tourism attractions and creative industry to generate income, attract investment and create employment.

As part of this plan, the government intends to invest US$1 billion in the tourism, culture and creative arts sector to develop Ghana into a year-round tourist destination.

The investment is expected to support heritage preservation, improve tourism facilities, attract international visitors and create opportunities for businesses operating within the sector.

Below are some of the major interventions announced under Pillar Five of the government's development agenda.

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1. Govt to conserve slave trade sites, strengthen museums under $1bn tourism investment plan

The government has announced plans to preserve Ghana's historical heritage sites, strengthen museums and archives, and improve tourism infrastructure as part of its proposed US$1 billion investment in the sector.

Dr Ato Forson said particular attention would be given to the preservation of forts, castles and other historical sites associated with the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The government intends to ensure that these places are properly maintained and that their historical significance is presented accurately and with respect.

The initiative will also involve improving museums and archives, providing interpretation services in different languages, and training conservators and tour guides to improve the management of Ghana's historical attractions.

Beyond preserving these sites, the government plans to connect them to essential facilities and businesses that can improve the experience of visitors.

These include good roads, public spaces, hotels, transport services, Ghanaian food businesses and other local enterprises.

The Finance Minister indicated that conservation would be a major consideration in construction activities around heritage sites. Local communities will also be involved in telling the stories of their history to ensure that their experiences and perspectives are properly represented.

The investment is expected to turn Ghana's historical and cultural attractions into major sources of economic activity, while creating opportunities for businesses and people working in the tourism industry.

2. Govt to establish medical tourism hub to attract foreign patients to Ghana

The government is also planning to establish a Ghana Medical Tourism Hub to attract patients from other countries who require specialised healthcare services.

The initiative is expected to be driven by private-sector investment, with the government providing incentives and infrastructure to encourage investors to establish specialist healthcare facilities in the country.

Dr Ato Forson described private-sector-led medical tourism as the third engine of the government's tourism development strategy.

Under the proposal, the medical tourism hub will bring together specialist hospitals, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation facilities, hotels, laboratories and pharmacies.

These facilities are expected to provide a range of healthcare services to international patients, making Ghana a potential destination for people seeking specialised medical treatment within Africa and beyond.

To attract investors, the government intends to provide targeted tax incentives, serviced land and essential infrastructure to support the development of the facilities.

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The initiative is expected to generate foreign exchange through medical services, accommodation and other activities associated with international patients.

It could also benefit Ghanaians by increasing access to specialised healthcare services locally, particularly as investment in advanced medical facilities and expertise improves the country's healthcare capacity.

3. Govt to facilitate construction of 5-star hotels in Accra, Kumasi; 4-star hotels in three regions

The government has also outlined plans to improve Ghana's hospitality industry through the construction of five-star hotels in Accra and Kumasi, alongside three modern four-star hotels in other parts of the country.

Under the proposal, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is expected to construct a five-star hotel each in Accra and Kumasi by 2030.

The government also plans to facilitate the construction of three affordable four-star hotels to support tourism activities in different parts of the country.

One of the hotels will serve the Cape Coast and Elmina heritage corridor, while another will be located in the Volta Region to support eco-tourism. The third is expected to be established in Northern Ghana.

The projects are intended to improve accommodation facilities outside the major cities and make it easier for tourists to explore attractions across the country.

In addition to the hotel projects, SSNIT is expected to construct and operate an ultra-modern international convention centre at the La Trade Fair Centre in Accra.

Dr Ato Forson said the facility would provide Ghana with the capacity to host major international conferences, business meetings and other global events.

The convention centre is also expected to strengthen business tourism and create more opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other businesses within the hospitality industry.

4. December in Ghana to remain a major tourism attraction as Black Star Experience goes all year round

The government also announced plans to make Ghana's tourism activities more active throughout the year through the Black Star Experience initiative.

Under the proposal, the Black Star Experience will run across all 12 months, supported by a national events calendar and competitive destination bidding.

This approach is expected to spread tourism activities across different seasons and regions instead of concentrating major events within a few months of the year.

December in Ghana, which attracts visitors from the diaspora and other parts of the world, will remain an important part of the country's tourism calendar.

However, the government intends to expand activities beyond the December festivities by introducing events and tourism programmes throughout the year.

The national events calendar is expected to help coordinate activities and give international visitors more opportunities to plan trips to Ghana at different times.

Through competitive destination bidding, the government also hopes to attract major events to the country, bringing in more visitors and increasing spending within the local economy.

The Black Star Experience will form part of the broader US$1 billion investment plan aimed at making tourism a consistent source of foreign exchange and employment.

Together, these interventions are expected to position tourism, culture and the creative arts as important contributors to Ghana's economic growth between 2027 and 2030.

5. Kumasi to get new National Theatre as govt expands creative arts investment

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The capital of Ashanti Region, Kumasi, is set to have a new National Theatre as the government plans to extend its investment in cultural infrastructure and the creative arts to other parts of the country.

The facility is expected to provide a modern space for cultural performances, conferences and other creative industry events. It will also give artistes and event organisers in the Ashanti Region an additional venue to stage productions and host major events.

The project is part of the government's investment in tourism, culture and the creative arts under its US$10 billion New Economy Programme, which has allocated the cedi equivalent of US$1 billion to the sector.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presents the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy



AK/AM