Ghana’s tourism no longer seasonal – Abeiku Santana

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, says tourism in Ghana is no longer confined to December, with activities now spread across the year.

Speaking during the Easter festivities, Abeiku Santana said the country’s tourism landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by deliberate policy direction and growing domestic interest.

“Ghana has been busy all year. We are not waiting like previously, you hear about tourism in December,” he stated, pointing to a surge in activities beyond the traditional peak season.

He explained that Easter, once largely reserved for religious conventions, has evolved into a period marked by travel, events, and entertainment across multiple regions.

“Easter was for church convention, but now it’s becoming celebratory. People are going for events here and there,” he said.

According to him, the Ghana Tourism Authority has intentionally expanded tourism promotion efforts beyond the usual hotspots, investing in emerging destinations such as the Volta Region.

He highlighted sites like Adaklu as part of ongoing development to ease pressure on traditional centres like Kwahu.

“That is why we are developing that site so that those who cannot come from Accra, Eastern Region, Central Region, may choose to go there,” he explained.

Abeiku Santana also revealed that multiple events are being held concurrently across the country during Easter, including the Vodza Regatta Keta Festival, as part of efforts to decentralise tourism.

He noted that regions such as Central, Western, Ashanti and Volta are all witnessing increased activity.

“Domestic tourism awareness is increasing, and our domestic tourism product is evolving,” he added, stressing that the shift is necessary for sustainability.

He warned against over-reliance on international visitors, citing global uncertainties.

“When we lose domestic tourism and rely on inbound foreign visitors, it’s going to affect us,” he cautioned.

Abeiku Santana credited the progress to policy direction under President John Dramani Mahama, particularly the “big push” infrastructure agenda aimed at improving access to tourist sites.

“If you look at all the major tourism destinations, road infrastructure is ongoing, this will invariably change local economies,” he said, expressing confidence that travel times to key regions will significantly reduce within two years.