Ghana Launches 'Do Ghana 7ty' Initiative to Stimulate Domestic Tourism Ahead of 70th Independence Anniversary

In a strategic move to redefine the nation’s tourism landscape, WangoWango has partnered with Joy FM and Joy Prime to launch the 'Do Ghana 7ty' initiative. Designed to culminate in Ghana's 70th Independence anniversary in 2027, the campaign encourages Ghanaians to rediscover their own culture, landscapes, and heritage. The initiative officially kicks off on World Tourism Day, September 27, with 'The Great Ghana Day Out,' an event that invites citizens to explore local sites and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #DoGhana. This domestic tourism drive seeks to shift the industry's focus toward local participation, fostering economic circulation within communities while making travel a staple of Ghanaian leisure culture.

The 'Do Ghana 7ty' roadmap includes a series of curated events and storytelling activities intended to build momentum through 2027. Key highlights include 'Gastropoda-The Yuletide Table' on December 30, which will showcase the depth of Ghanaian cuisine, followed by five themed road trips starting in January 2027. These journeys are specifically designed to explore various facets of the national identity, from historical landmarks to modern wellness retreats. By adapting traditional outdoor leisure activities to contemporary interests like hiking, the organizers hope to create a deeper emotional connection between citizens and their homeland.

Parallel to these promotional efforts, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is reinforcing standards of excellence within the industry. At the 2026 Ashanti Region Tourism Awards held in Kumasi, 33 individuals and institutions were honored under the theme 'Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders – The Black Star Experience.' Notable winners included the Lancaster Kumasi City Hotel for four-star hotel of the year and the Golden Bean Hotel in the three-star category. During the ceremony, GTA Deputy CEO Ekow Sampson emphasized the Ashanti Region's immense tourism potential, while Regional Director Frederick Adei-Rudolph raised concerns regarding unlicensed facilities that threaten visitor safety and fair competition.

Supporting this tourism push is the rising global profile of Ghanaian gastronomy. Local staples such as Jollof, Waakye, fufu, and banku are increasingly cited as central to the travel experience, providing visitors with a sensory gateway into Ghanaian culture. As the nation approaches its 70th milestone, officials are calling for a more transparent framework for the disbursement of the Tourism Levy and the full adoption of the Ghana Tourism Information System. These administrative advancements, combined with the 'Do Ghana' campaign, aim to build a robust, safe, and culturally rich tourism sector that serves both domestic and international audiences.