By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, July 23, GNA – The Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, says tourist arrivals have increased from about 500,000 in 2023 to almost 600,000 in the first half of 2024.
That, he said, had increased receipts to about US$1.8 billion compared to US$1.5 billion over the same period last year.
Delivering the 2024 Mid-Year budget review on Tuesday in Parliament, Dr Adam said Ghana had been positioned as an internationally competitive tourism destination.
He said to complement that progress, the government had enhanced tourism infrastructure, marketing, and supply-chain links, through the redevelopment of key tourist sites such as Aburi Gardens, Yaa Asantewaa mausoleum, the museum at Ejisu, and the Pikworo Slave camp.
On works and housing development, the Finance Minister said Ghanaians were burdened with long commutes and mounting stress due to the lack of decent and conveniently located housing, hence government in partnership with private developers and banks was looking at building high-rise, reasonably priced accommodations within the cities of Accra and Kumasi.
“In the coming weeks, the Minister for Works and Housing will present the full housing reform package with the private sector at its core.”
He said the government during the first half of the year continued to implement the National Rental Assistance Scheme, which had benefited 2,074 individuals to date, adding that under the National Flood Control Programme, over 1,000 kilometres of drains had been newly constructed, rechanneled, and maintained nationwide to reduce the impact of the perennial devastating floods.
Mr Adam noted that preparatory activities towards the construction of houses for households affected by the controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam were completed following extensive engagement with stakeholders.
GNA