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Emmanuel Frimpong calls for more tourism funding in 2027 Budget
•2 min read•2 sources
Tourism consultant Emmanuel Frimpong has urged the government to significantly increase funding for the tourism, arts, and culture sectors in the forthcoming 2027 Budget. He emphasized that prioritizing these areas is essential to driving investment, generating employment, and stimulating broad-based economic growth across the country. Frimpong argued that the industry requires a deliberate financial commitment to transition from policy intent to tangible national development.
Reflecting on the 2026 Budget, Frimpong noted that while initiatives like the Ghana Tourism Marketplace and the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform have shown progress in improving market access, many commitments remain incomplete. He stressed the need for the government to move beyond policy announcements to delivering concrete infrastructure and heritage site rehabilitation. According to Frimpong, the industry continues to grapple with poor infrastructure and limited financing, which hinder its full potential as an economic driver.
The consultant advocated for specific allocations toward the restoration of historic sites and the completion of stalled projects that have lingered through previous budget cycles. A key priority highlighted was the operationalization of the Creative Arts and Film Development Funds. Frimpong argued that these funds are vital for providing consistent financing to creative entrepreneurs and fostering skills development within the tourism and arts education sectors.
To ensure the effective use of resources, Frimpong called for the inclusion of measurable outcomes and strict accountability measures in the 2027 financial statement. He specifically recommended the establishment of a Tourism Satellite Account to provide better data and transparency regarding job creation and revenue. This, he believes, will allow for more accurate economic assessments and ensure that tourism investments are evenly distributed across all regions of Ghana to maximize national impact.
