The government is targeting the construction of five new hotels across Ghana by 2030, with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) expected to lead the investment under a proposed tax incentive package.
The initiative, announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, forms part of efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Under the arrangement, SSNIT will be supported with tax incentives to develop two five-star hotels in Accra and Kumasi, alongside three modern and affordable four-star facilities in other parts of the country.
The proposed four-star hotels will be located within the Cape Coast and Elmina heritage corridor, the Volta Region and Northern Ghana, with the facilities expected to support heritage tourism, eco-tourism and tourism development in the northern part of the country.
Dr Forson said the investments were intended to improve accommodation capacity and create the infrastructure needed to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
Beyond hotel development, the government plans to complete a new National Theatre in Kumasi to serve as a centre for cultural performances, conferences and activities within the creative industry.
The Finance Minister also outlined plans to establish a Ghana Medical Tourism Hub through private-sector participation.
The proposed facility will bring together specialist hospitals, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation services, hotels, laboratories and pharmacies to position Ghana as a destination for medical tourism.
To support the development, government will provide targeted tax incentives, serviced land and essential trunk infrastructure to attract investment into the project.
Dr Forson said the combined interventions were expected to increase tourist arrivals, extend visitor stays and raise spending in the tourism sector by 2030.
Government is also projecting stronger foreign-exchange earnings as more international visitors access Ghana’s hospitality, cultural and medical tourism services.
He indicated that the expected economic benefits would extend beyond hotel operators and investors to farmers, food suppliers, transport operators, artisans, artists, technology companies and businesses involved in events and entertainment.
The tourism expansion programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, stimulate private-sector investment and create employment opportunities across the country.
