GHS 4 Billion Spent on Foreign Trips in 2023 as Ashanti, Accra Lead – GSS

News
Written By Irene Anim

Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu- Photo credit GSS

Accra, Ghana — Ghanaians spent an estimated GHS 4 billion abroad in 2023, according to the latest Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey (DOTS) by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which found that the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions accounted for the majority of outbound travelers.

The report revealed that 470,806 Ghanaians travelled outside the country either for same-day or overnight trips. Of the total spending, GHS 3.4 billion came from overnight visitors, while GHS 59.8 million was spent by same-day travelers.

The Ashanti Region consistently recorded the highest number of same-day outbound visitors, ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 per quarter. In contrast, the Greater Accra Region led in overnight travel, with between 30,000 and 50,000 travelers each quarter.

These trends mirror Ghana’s economic geography with Kumasi’s trade-driven economy fueling cross-border business trips to Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, while Accra’s administrative and business prominence, along with Kotoka International Airport’s connectivity, make it the country’s primary gateway for long-haul travel.

The GSS said understanding these travel patterns is vital to shaping tourism and economic policy, especially as Ghana seeks to reduce capital flight from outbound travel.

“The data will support strategies to strengthen domestic tourism and retain more of the GHS 4 billion spent abroad within Ghana’s economy,” the Service stated.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu believes, the findings will inform targeted investment in regional tourism infrastructure, promote domestic travel, and encourage partnerships that keep more travel spending circulating within the local economy.

Read Also

Featured
2025 WASSCE Results: Maths Scores declines as Over 6,000 Candidates Sanctioned for Exam Malpractice — WAEC
2025 WASSCE Results: Maths Scores declines as Over 6,000 Candidates Sanctioned for Exam Malpractice — WAEC

WAEC’s 2025 WASSCE results reveal strong English performance but a sharp decline in Maths. Over 6,000 results cancelled and 185 schools under investigation.

Speaker Rules Matthew Nyindam Retains Parliamentary Seat Pending Appeal Window
Speaker Rules Matthew Nyindam Retains Parliamentary Seat Pending Appeal Window

Speaker Alban Bagbin has ruled that Kpandai MP Matthew Nyindam remains a member of Parliament despite a High Court order for a re-run, citing a mandatory seven-day appeal window.

Speaker Refers Afenyo-Markin to Privileges Committee Over ECOWAS Parliament Attendance
Speaker Refers Afenyo-Markin to Privileges Committee Over ECOWAS Parliament Attendance

Speaker Alban Bagbin has referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for allegedly attending an ECOWAS Parliament session despite being removed from Ghana’s official delegation.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Rebukes “Chop Bar Arithmetic” Claims Over Sanitary Pad Project
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Rebukes “Chop Bar Arithmetic” Claims Over Sanitary Pad Project

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has rejected claims by MP Ekow Vincent that government spent GH₵45 per sanitary pad, calling the calculation false and misleading while defending the transparency of the program.

Supreme Court Gives Wesley Girls’ High School 14 Days to Respond in Religious Rights Case
Supreme Court Gives Wesley Girls’ High School 14 Days to Respond in Religious Rights Case

Ghana’s Supreme Court has ordered Wesley Girls’ High School, the GES, and the Attorney General to file their defence within 14 days in a landmark human rights case over Muslim students’ right to fast and wear the hijab.

Minority Condemns Tamale High Court Ruling on Kpandai Election, Calls It “Mathematically and Factually Flawed”
Minority Condemns Tamale High Court Ruling on Kpandai Election, Calls It “Mathematically and Factually Flawed”

Ghana’s Minority Caucus has rejected the Tamale High Court’s order for a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election, arguing that the 500 disputed ballots could not overturn a 3,734-vote victory margin.

OSP to Arraign Ofori-Atta, 7 Others on Nov. 24 Over 78-Count Corruption Case
OSP to Arraign Ofori-Atta, 7 Others on Nov. 24 Over 78-Count Corruption Case

The Office of the Special Prosecutor will arraign former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others on November 24 over 78 corruption and procurement-related charges linked to the SML revenue assurance contracts. The case involves former GRA officials and SML executives.

Court of Appeal Acquits William Baah in Major Mahama Case.
Court of Appeal Acquits William Baah in Major Mahama Case.

The Court of Appeal has acquitted William Baah in the Major Mahama case after years of trial. His lawyer says the ruling exposes deep structural flaws in Ghana’s justice system, citing prolonged detention, procedural failures, and evidence that should never have gone to trial.

Ministry of Interior Announces Nationwide Christmas Security Plans to Protect Revelers
Ministry of Interior Announces Nationwide Christmas Security Plans to Protect Revelers

The Ministry of Interior and the Ghana Police Service have unveiled a comprehensive nationwide security plan to protect citizens and revelers during the 2025 festive season. Measures include increased patrols, enhanced visibility, traffic control, and rapid-response readiness.

169 Ghanaians Deported from U.S.,388 Detained – Foreign Affairs Minister
169 Ghanaians Deported from U.S.,388 Detained – Foreign Affairs Minister

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that 169 Ghanaians have been deported from the United States, with an additional 388 nationals currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He made the disclosure in Parliament on November 19.

U.S. Lifts Restrictions; Ghana Regains Five-Year Visa – Foreign Affairs Minister
U.S. Lifts Restrictions; Ghana Regains Five-Year Visa – Foreign Affairs Minister

Ghana has officially regained access to five-year U.S. visas, with all previous restrictions lifted, the Foreign Affairs Minister announced in Parliament on Wednesday, November 19.

ECOWAS Court Rejects Torkornoo’s Request to Halt Removal Probe — “Nothing Left to Injunct,” MP Baidoo Says
ECOWAS Court Rejects Torkornoo’s Request to Halt Removal Probe — “Nothing Left to Injunct,” MP Baidoo Says

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s request for interim measures to stop the committee that probed her removal. Ghanaian MP Bernard Baidoo says the ruling confirms the process was constitutional and complete.

Ghana Awaits U.S. Decision on Extradition of Former MASLOC CEO — Attorney General Clarifies in Parliament
Ghana Awaits U.S. Decision on Extradition of Former MASLOC CEO — Attorney General Clarifies in Parliament

Ghana’s Attorney General says the U.S. is processing Sedina Attionu’s extradition and clarifies no Interpol Red Notice is required since she is already convicted.

AG Ayine Justifies High Bail Conditions, Says EOCO Not Targeting Former Appointees
AG Ayine Justifies High Bail Conditions, Says EOCO Not Targeting Former Appointees

Attorney General Dominic Ayine has justified EOCO’s recent high bail conditions imposed on suspects, including former government appointees, telling Parliament the measures are lawful, necessary, and tied to the scale of alleged financial crimes—not political witch-hunting.

OSP Files Criminal Charges Against Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta and GRA Officials Over GHS 1.4bn SML Scandal
OSP Files Criminal Charges Against Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta and GRA Officials Over GHS 1.4bn SML Scandal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has filed criminal charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, senior GRA officials and SML over an alleged GHS 1.4 billion procurement and revenue assurance scandal. The OSP cites abuse of office, unlawful contract awards and financial loss to the state.

GSS Report: Bribery Prevalence Falls Sharply from 18.4% to 14.3%
GSS Report: Bribery Prevalence Falls Sharply from 18.4% to 14.3%

Ghana has recorded a significant drop in bribery prevalence, falling from 18.4% to 14.3%, according to the latest Governance Series Wave 2 Report by the Ghana Statistical Service. The findings highlight progress in governance, accountability, and citizen engagement nationwide.

Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Pledges to Uphold Rule of Law and Protect Judicial Independence
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Pledges to Uphold Rule of Law and Protect Judicial Independence

Newly sworn-in Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has vowed to defend the rule of law, safeguard judicial independence, and uphold Ghana’s constitutional order. Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony on November 17, he emphasized that the judiciary must remain free from interference while ensuring accountability and public trust.

El-Wak stampede: 3 leave ICU, 16 still hospitalised – GAF
El-Wak stampede: 3 leave ICU, 16 still hospitalised – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed significant improvement in the condition of victims of the November 12 El-Wak Stadium stampede. Three of the five ICU patients have been stabilised and transferred to a general ward, while 16 others remain hospitalised. The tragic incident occurred during a military recruitment exercise and has so far claimed six lives.

Mahama Orders All Schools to Buy Only Made-in-Ghana Rice, Maize, Chicken, and Eggs-Ato Forson
Mahama Orders All Schools to Buy Only Made-in-Ghana Rice, Maize, Chicken, and Eggs-Ato Forson

The 2026 Budget Statement has unveiled a major policy direction from President John Mahama aimed at strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector and stabilizing markets for local producers.

Gov’t Allocates GH₵33.3bn to Education Sector in 2026 Budget
Gov’t Allocates GH₵33.3bn to Education Sector in 2026 Budget

Ghana has allocated GH₵33.3 billion to the Ministry of Education in the 2026 Budget, with an additional GH₵9.9 billion for GETFund to support nationwide infrastructure and key educational interventions. Finance Minister Ato Forson announced the measures during the 2026 Budget presentation to Parliament.

2026 Budget Sets Ghana on Path to Modernised, Accessible Healthcare
2026 Budget Sets Ghana on Path to Modernised, Accessible Healthcare

Ghana’s 2026 Budget outlines a bold health sector expansion plan focused on modernising infrastructure, improving nationwide access, and strengthening specialised medical care. Finance Minister Ato Forson says the reforms aim to build a modern, inclusive, and resilient healthcare system.

Parliament Approves Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice After Intense 163–69 Vote
Parliament Approves Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice After Intense 163–69 Vote

Ghana’s Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice after a tense session marked by Minority resistance and a decisive 163–69 vote. Speaker Bagbin urges the new CJ to draw lessons from the contentious process.

Speaker Bagbin Donates GH₵100,000 to El Wak Stampede Victims, Calls for Safer Recruitment Procedures
Speaker Bagbin Donates GH₵100,000 to El Wak Stampede Victims, Calls for Safer Recruitment Procedures

Ghana’s Parliamentary Speaker Alban Bagbin donates GH₵100,000 to victims of the El Wak recruitment stampede and urges urgent reform of military recruitment procedures to enhance safety and fairness.

Road Minister Cautions Against Unfunded Contracts Amid Growing Payment Arrears
Road Minister Cautions Against Unfunded Contracts Amid Growing Payment Arrears

Road Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza tells Parliament that Ghana must stop awarding road contracts beyond its budget. He reveals over GH₵30 billion in unpaid works and calls for fiscal discipline.

Accra Recruitment Suspended After El Wak Stampede — Six Dead, 34 Injured
Accra Recruitment Suspended After El Wak Stampede — Six Dead, 34 Injured

Acting Defence Minister Ato Forson tells Parliament six people died and 34 were injured in the El Wak Stadium stampede. Recruitment in Accra halted as investigation begins.

Annoh-Dompreh Calls for Immediate Suspension of Military Recruitment After El Wak Tragedy
Annoh-Dompreh Calls for Immediate Suspension of Military Recruitment After El Wak Tragedy

Deputy Minority Chief Whip Annoh-Dompreh calls for the suspension of Ghana’s Armed Forces recruitment after a stampede at El Wak Stadium killed 12. He says the tragedy exposes systemic failure and demands urgent reform.

Stampede at El Wak Stadium During Military Recruitment Leaves Six Dead, Several Injured
Stampede at El Wak Stadium During Military Recruitment Leaves Six Dead, Several Injured

Six people have died and several injured after a stampede at El Wak Stadium during Ghana Armed Forces recruitment. GAF confirms investigations are underway and support for victims’ families.

President Mahama Reconstitutes National Hajj Committee; Appoints Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko as Chairman
President Mahama Reconstitutes National Hajj Committee; Appoints Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko as Chairman

President John Dramani Mahama has reconstituted Ghana’s National Hajj Committee and appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko as Chairman to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 pilgrimage to Mecca

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga Petitions Speaker Bagbin to Sanction Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin for Contempt of Parliament
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga Petitions Speaker Bagbin to Sanction Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin for Contempt of Parliament

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has asked Speaker Alban Bagbin to sanction Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin for contempt after he allegedly defied a parliamentary resolution to stay off the ECOWAS delegation.

“I’m Coming with a Hammer, Not a Gavel” — Speaker Bagbin Warns MPs Over Indiscipline and Walkouts
“I’m Coming with a Hammer, Not a Gavel” — Speaker Bagbin Warns MPs Over Indiscipline and Walkouts

Speaker Alban Bagbin warns Ghana’s MPs he will enforce stricter discipline in Parliament, vowing to use “a hammer, not a gavel” after chaos and walkouts during the CJ vetting session.

Irene Anim

Irene Anim is a news reporter and writer with DM Media Group

Previous

Parliament Names 28 Absentee MPs as Attendance Crisis Deepens
Next

GSS Calls for Policies to Retain Ghanaians’ Travel Spending Locally