Ghana Tourism Authority Reports Business Travel Surge as Government Releases GH"5m Film Fund Amid Industry Legal Probe

Ghana’s status as a regional commercial hub has been reinforced by the Ghana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) 2025 Tourism Report, which reveals that business travel now outpaces leisure as the primary driver of inbound visits. While the popular ‘December in GH’ festivities continue to draw significant crowds, the data shows that business travel accounts for 31% of arrivals, followed by family visits at 23%, and leisure tourism at 11%. This shift comes as the country recorded over 1.3 million international arrivals in 2025, an 11.35% increase in December traffic specifically. However, despite the rise in visitor volume, international tourism receipts saw a decline, dropping from $4.83 billion in 2024 to $4.34 billion in 2025.

To further capitalize on the nation’s cultural influence, the Government of Ghana has officially released GH"5 million of the GH"20 million earmarked for the Film Development Fund. Kafui Danku, Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), confirmed that the disbursement is intended to support industry research, training, and infrastructure development. Initially announced in the 2026 Budget Statement, this funding aims to provide essential financial assistance for eligible projects, fostering a more competitive environment for local filmmakers and the broader creative arts sector.

While the government seeks to boost the creative economy, the private sector is grappling with high-profile legal challenges. Shadrach Owusu, a music executive known as Snap Wayne Chavis and former manager of Black Sherif, was recently detained by the Ghana Police Service in connection with an alleged $1.4 million fraud. The investigation centers on claims that Owusu misappropriated funds intended for land acquisition and construction projects. The case has gained significant social media attention, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and stringent oversight within the country’s business and entertainment landscapes.

Ultimately, these developments illustrate a complex economic period for Ghana, marked by robust international interest and evolving domestic investments. While the GTA report notes that top attractions like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park drew nearly 1.4 million visitors, the dip in total receipts suggests that the focus must shift toward maximizing the economic value of these visits. As law enforcement addresses financial crimes and the NFA begins deploying development funds, the government continues to position Ghana as a stable and attractive destination for both professional and cultural engagement.