By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The 2027 Budget must prioritise the completion of outstanding tourism and cultural projects, operationalise the Creative Arts and Film Development Funds and improve infrastructure at tourist destinations to strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.
Mr Caleb Kofie, Executive Director of the Service Excellence Foundation-Ghana, who made the call, said the budget must recognise tourism, culture and the creative economy as important drivers of employment, foreign exchange earnings and local enterprise development.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra, he said the government must move beyond policy announcements and budgetary allocations to deliver measurable outcomes for businesses, industry practitioners and local communities.
He said priority should be given to funding and completing existing projects, ensuring that the Creative Arts Fund and Film Development Fund became fully operational and improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mr Kofie also called for investment in reliable infrastructure at tourist destinations, improved transport connectivity and strengthened hospitality skills development, training and service standards.
He said the governmentment must review the cumulative effect of taxes, utility costs and regulatory requirements on tourism businesses, noting that the high cost of doing business could discourage private investment and limit the industry’s ability to create jobs.
He stressed the need for a predictable policy environment, and reliable infrastructure to encourage businesses to invest, expand, and contribute to economic growth.
Mr Kofie said the governmentment must also establish measurable annual targets for the tourism, arts, and culture sectors, and publish regular progress reports to ensure accountability in the implementation of budgetary commitments.
He said the performance of the 2027 Budget should be measured by tangible improvements in employment, the growth of Ghanaian businesses, increased visitor spending, higher private-sector investment, and greater economic benefits for host communities.
He noted that Ghana’s tourism assets, cultural identity, and entrepreneurial potential positioned the country to compete favourably in the global tourism market.
However, he said unlocking that potential required consistent policies, strategic public investment, and genuine partnerships between government, the private sector, and local communities.
The government cannot do everything, but it must create the conditions for businesses to invest, grow and employ,” he said.
Mr Kofie said the 2027 Budget presented an opportunity for government to translate the country’s tourism, and creative economic potential into measurable performance.
He urged policymakers to ensure that commitments made to the sector were supported by adequate funding, effective implementation, and transparent monitoring to deliver sustainable benefits.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng
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