By Arc. Ekow Sampson
Ghana has significant potential to develop cruise tourism into a major contributor to its tourism economy. With its Atlantic coastline, ports at Tema and Takoradi, historic forts and castles, vibrant culture, beaches and natural attractions, Ghana is well positioned to become a leading cruise destination in West Africa.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 37.2 million passengers took ocean cruises in 2025, highlighting the industry’s global scale and its potential to generate employment, foreign exchange and business opportunities.
From Exploration to Market Engagement
My advocacy for cruise tourism is grounded in direct professional experience. In 2023, I led a Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) team to explore the cruise tourism market in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. In 2024, I again led a GTA team to participate in the Seatrade Cruise Global Exhibition in Miami, Florida, USA. These engagements provided opportunities to engage industry stakeholders and explore strategies for positioning Ghana within the international cruise market.
Ghana recorded approximately 12,600 cruise passengers in 2024. However, the reported figure declined to 5,488 passengers across 18 cruise ship calls in 2025. This fluctuation underscores the need for sustained marketing, stronger partnerships and deliberate destination development.
Tema and Takoradi: Gateways to Ghana
Tema offers access to Accra’s historical landmarks, culture, gastronomy, shopping and entertainment. Takoradi provides opportunities to develop excursions around historic forts and castles, beaches, Kakum National Park and other attractions in the Central and Western regions.
However, attracting cruise ships is only part of the equation. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) must establish dedicated, well-equipped cruise tourism reception facilities at Tema and Takoradi. These should include passenger reception centres, tourist information and excursion desks, organised parking for tour buses and taxis, efficient immigration and customs services, clean public toilets, comfortable waiting areas, security facilities and spaces for Ghanaian crafts and retail businesses.
Working with GTA, security agencies, tour operators and local assemblies, GPHA should ensure a seamless, safe and welcoming passenger experience. Our ports must become professional gateways to Ghana’s tourism attractions.
Turning Arrivals into Economic Benefits
Cruise passengers spend on excursions, transportation, food, souvenirs and entertainment. Some extend their stays before or after their cruises, creating additional opportunities for hotels and other tourism businesses. A positive experience can also encourage visitors to return for longer holidays.
Local communities must benefit directly through opportunities for tour guides, sales of crafts, artisans, restaurants, cultural groups and transport operators. This requires investment in training, sanitation, security, access roads, visitor facilities and environmental protection.
A National Strategy Is Essential
Ghana needs a coordinated national cruise tourism strategy involving GTA, GPHA, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Forestry Commission, District and Municipal Assemblies, tour operators and private investors. Priorities should include cruise-line engagement, international marketing, attractive shore excursions, improved port facilities, workforce training and community participation.
My engagements in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 and Miami in 2024 strengthened my conviction that cruise tourism deserves a more prominent place in Ghana’s tourism development agenda.
Cruise tourism is an opportunity to generate foreign exchange, create jobs, support local enterprises and showcase Ghana to the world. With strategic investment and effective collaboration, Ghana can capture a greater share of this growing market.
Ghana must move from being merely a port of call to becoming a destination of choice. The time to unlock our cruise tourism potential is now.
