By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Aug. 14, GNA – Ghana’s high online visa fee could undermine efforts to attract international visitors, the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has said.
The Union said the $260 fee was costly compared with charges in other countries in the sub-region and could affect demand for tourism services.
Madam Yvonne Donkor, President of TOUGHA, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that the visa fee required urgent review to complement measures to expand tourism products and improve visitor experiences.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the Government Accountability Series following a presentation by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, last Monday.
Madam Donkor said TOUGHA welcomed the Ministry’s plans to extend operating hours and introduce night tours at the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, but said the visa fee remained a major concern.
“We did not hear anything on the visa fee that we have been hammering on for some time now that it is very high,” she said.
Madam Donkor said the Ghana Immigration Service was phasing out the in-person Emergency Entry Visa, which previously cost $200, and replacing it with an online system costing $260.
She said the higher fee could discourage spontaneous travel, group tours and repeat visits from key source markets.
“For us, it is affecting our business,” she said.
Madam Donkor urged the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, to review the online visa fee structure downwards.
She said a competitive visa regime would complement efforts to improve the tourism experience and increase Ghana’s appeal to international visitors.
Madam Donkor also commended the Ministry and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) for introducing night tours at the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.
She said the initiative would strengthen heritage tourism and support the Government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
“TOUGHA welcomes the announcement by the Minister, on the extension of operating hours and the introduction of night tours at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and commend the GMMB for successfully piloting the night tours and leading the innovation in heritage management.”
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng