Introduction
Due to the key successes achieved under the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy I (GPRS I), especially in the areas of reducing poverty from 39% to 28.5% during the period 2003 to 2005, and the attainment of relative economic stability in the economy, a successor national development policy framework, GPRS II, has been formulated to be carried out between 2006 to 2009 to focus on policies and programmes that will bring about growth of the economy and support wealth creation and poverty reduction.
In the specific context of improving the level of infrastructure in the country, the goal is to facilitate both intra regional trade and to open up rural areas for investment, productivity enhancement and job creation, introduce/deepen competition and create an enabling environment for the private sector to spearhead the country’s development in the following areas:
• Information and communication technology
• Energy
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Education
• Health
• Tourism
Information and communication technology
It has been argued that the development of information and communication technology (ICT) provides leapfrogging opportunities for developing countries. Ghana has not been left out in this revolution. According to the Data Development Group of the World Bank, ICT infrastructure in Ghana is progressing better than other low-income countries and above the 1.1% average for Sub-Saharan Africa. The Government of Ghana has, since February 2004, enacted an ICT development policy with 14 priority areas. The thrust of the policy is to primarily concentrate on promoting ICT physical infrastructure development, which will in turn facilitate the development of the private sector.
It is heartening to note that in 2009 Ghana was ranked as the most preferred business destination in sub-Saharan Africa for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) business in the AT Kearney Global Services Location Index. The ranking which is based on a country’s ability to handle business is done under three main criteria: financial attractiveness; people skills and availability; and business environment.
Additionally the 2009 “Outsourcing to Africa Report” for the relative ranking of 15 country locations also recognized Ghana as ready and upcoming in infrastructure status for outsourcing with positive People Driver indicators as well.
Infrastructure:
The Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, a joint Ghana/India project has been commissioned with a responsibility to produce the human resource capacity needed for the emerging ICT industry in Ghana and the sub-region. The Multi-Media Centre is also to serve as an incubator where new private companies in the industry can be nurtured and relocated to the Technology Parks Business Centre, which is to be set up at Free Zone enclave at Tema.
These notwithstanding, various investments in ICT infrastructure by existing Internet Service Providers and telecommunication companies are helping to improve communication service delivery in the country. Others too are launching systems that aim at enhancing the provision of high-speed access to the internet and multimedia capabilities. Recently, the Government signed an agreement with Microsoft Corporation under which the largest ICT Company in the world would provide resources to improve ICT education in Ghana.
Vodafone Ghana recently launched the fastest internet cafe in Africa with over 40 megabytes per second.
The Vodafone internet café and retail store, with its WiFi area can seat up to 100 customers in air conditioned comfort plus the outdoor seating area. Top of the line graphic card and multimedia kits are also installed for those that love online gaming.
The new Vodafone Internet Cafes & Retail stores are located in Cantonments, Accra North, Accra Central, Accra Mall, Tema, Kumasi, Koforidua, Ho, Tamale and Takoradi
The effect of all these has been the modest growth in ICT activities in Ghana. A host of foreign companies has been attracted to Ghana. Some of these are Affiliated Computer Services, Data Management International Inc., Rising Data Solutions, Global Response, Busy Internet, AQ Solutions and Supra Telecom. Indications are that a lot more are in the pipeline.
Telephony:
The telecommunications sector in Ghana has been liberalized and reformed. The monopoly of the former Post and Telecommunications Corporation was abolished with the enactment of the National Communications Authority Act, 1996 (Act 524), which established the National Communications Authority (NCA) as a sector regulator. The object of the National Communications Authority is to regulate the provision of communications services in the Ghana.
The market continues to grow aggressively in all segments, particularly, in the telephony space. Over the last 5 years and 8 years respectively, the market uptake has been growing at a compound average growth rate of 62.3% and 58.3% respectively. With respect to the market, telephone penetration at the end of 2008 was 52.4% composed of 99% mobile and 1% fixed. As at the end of 2008, the total number of fixed and mobile lines was 11,714,330 with fixed lines amounting to about 143,900 and the mobile lines making up the rest. Vodafon Ghana is the main fixed line operator with a huge market share of 97.98%. Westel which is now Zain had fewer subscribers covering the Accra- Tema Metropolis and a market share of 2.02%.
There are six (6) cellular network operators. MTN (Ghana) Limited remains the market leader with a share of 55.56%. Tigo followed in the second position with a share of 24.96%. Vodafon Ghana is in the third position with a share of 13.76%. Kasapa, the only CDMA network in the country is in the fourth position with a share of 3.41%, Zain is in the fifth position with a share of 2.31% and Globacom are yet to start operations.
Internet Services:
Internet usage has caught up rapidly with Ghanaians over the last six to ten years. Growth has been particularly strong in the private sector for whom the internet has become an important tool for business. Below is a list of communication service providers in Ghana at the moment.
- National Network Operators 3
- Wireless Telephony Operators 4
- Internet Service providers 112
- Paging Services Providers 10
- Public Data Service Providers 57
- VSAT Data Network Operators 96
- Free on Air Television Stations 23
- Privately-Owned Radio (FM) Stations 125
- Pay Per View Cable/Satellite (Accra) 16
- Pay Per View Subscription 7
- Satellite Re-broadcasting TV 1
Source: National Communication Authority, December 2003
Energy
The energy sector is the lifeline in the development of any nation. This belief informed the decision to undertake the construction of the first hydroelectric (Akosombo) dam in 1965, which continues to be an important investment in Ghana’s economic history. Over the years with the increased demand by power users for greater security and reliability other sources of power – thermal, solar and lately windmills, as well as imports – have been added to the generation mix. Thus, Ghana is currently a net energy importer, having been a net exporter of the commodity till about a decade ago. In 2003, an amount of US$450 million was spent on the importation of crude oil and finished oil products, as well as 13% of its electricity needs. The thrust of Government policy in the energy sector is to push for a significant increase in its energy resources to become a net exporter of both power and fuel within next five years.
The Ministry of Energy has the responsibility for developing and implementing energy sector policy in Ghana. As part of its oversight responsibility, the Ministry also operates the nation’s strategic reserve of petroleum products through the publicly owned Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation company (BOST).
The sector is composed of two main sectors, namely petroleum and power. The Petroleum sector is made up of two sub-sectors – the downstream activities (i.e. finished products production, distribution) and upstream activities (i.e. exploration, development, production of oil and gas).
In the downstream segment, the Tema Oil Refinery, which operates Ghana’s only petroleum refinery with a processing capacity of about 45,000 barrels of crude oil per stream day to produce gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, pre-mix fuel, aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), among others. Tema Lube Oil Company produces assorted lubricants and special oils on behalf of the 17 licensed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
In the upstream sub-sector, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is the key institution that is collaborating with private investors to prospect for crude oil and gas within Ghana’s territorial boundaries.
The Power sub-sector is run by two utilities: the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG). The total installed generating capacity of electric power in Ghana is about 1,650MW comprising 1100MW of hydro generation (Akosombo and Kpong stations) and 550MW from Takoradi Thermal Power Station. This is supplemented by imports from La Cote d’lvoire to the tune of up to 250MW. As at 2003, Ghana’s power generation mix was: thermal and import – 65% and Hydro – 35%.
The large component of thermal power in the generation mix has very high financial implications for the country. Therefore, serious efforts are underway to bring a 125MW power barge into service by mid-2004 to be initially run on diesel and subsequently gas from the West African Gas Pipeline project. Additionally, the Akosombo Dam retrofit project is to be completed by the year 2005 to gain 108MW extra capacity. Plans are far advanced to implement the Bui Hydroelectric Dam project, which is expected to be completed by 2009 with a capacity of 400MW.
The Ministry also has oversight responsibility over the Energy commission, which is a sector institution responsible for regulating, developing and managing the utilization of energy resources such as electricity, natural gas and petroleum products. The commission is also responsible, in particular, for preparing indicative plans for the development of the energy sector, licensing of public utilities for transmission, wholesale supply, distribution and sale of electricity and natural gas and enforcing performance standards of the utilities.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is a statutorily independent body responsible for regulating and the overseeing provision of electrical and water utility services to consumers. Its functions include protecting the interests of providers and consumers, approval of rate, monitoring performance, standards and promoting competition among service providers.
For more information on investment projects in the sector, contact:
The Hon. Minister
Ministry of Energy
P.O. Box T40 Stadium Post Office
Accra – Ghana
Tel: +233 21 667 151
Fax: +233 21 668 262
E-mail: energy1@ghana.com
Transportataion
The provision of infrastructure and operations in all modes of transport in Ghana are dominated by the state. Except in the case of road transport, the public sector has been heavily involved in operations in all modes and has monopoly over rail and inland water transport.
Road:
Road transport is very important to the Ghanaian economy. It is estimated that road transport accounts for 94% of freight ton-miles and about 97% of passenger miles in the country.
Road transport in Ghana may be categorized into 4 main segments, namely urban, express services, rural-urban and rural. The demand for urban passenger transport is mainly by residents commuting to work, school, and other economic, social and leisure activities. Most urban transportation in Ghana is by road and provided by private transport including taxis, mini-buses and state/private-supported bus services. By road transport buses are the main mode of transport accounting for about 60% of passenger movement. Taxis account for only 14.5% with the remaining accounted for by private cars.
One important trend in road transport (especially inter-city) is that there has been a shift from mini-buses towards medium and large cars with capacities of 30-70 seats. There has been a growing preference for good buses as the sector continues to offer more options to passenger in tons of quality of vehicles used.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana’s road transport infrastructure is made up of 50,620km of road network linking the entire country. These are under the control of the Ghana Highways Authority (14,047 km), Department of Urban Roads (4,063 km) and the Department of Feeder Roads (32,594 km). About 15.7% of the total road network is paved.
On the whole, traffic densities are low, except in the large cities of Accra and Kumasi, where peak hour densities are relatively high. The intention is to have many of the existing highways tolled and private-sector participation in road construction and ownership.
For further information, contact:
The Hon. Minister
Ministry of Roads and Transport
P. O. Box M. 38
Accra – Ghana
Tel: (+233 21 661575)
Fax: (+233 21 672676)
Website: www.mrt.gov.gh
Railways:
A triangular rail network (of 950km) links the three cities of Kumasi in the heart of the country, Takoradi in the west and Accra-Tema in the east. The network connects the main agricultural and mining regions to the ports of Tema and Takoradi. It has mainly served the purpose of hauling minerals, cocoa and timber. Considerable passenger traffic is also carried on the network.
There are firm plans by the Government to develop the rail network more extensively to handle up to handle up to 60% of solid and liquid bulk cargo haulage between the ports and the interior and /or the landlocked neighbouring countries to the north of Ghana and elsewhere. The government has set out seeking the necessary investment to restore the network, improve speed and axle load capacity and replace worn-out rolling stock. Plans are far advanced to privatize the State-owned Ghana Railways Corporation (GRC) through concession and to provide much greater capacity for rail haulage of containers and petroleum products.
For further information, contact:
The Hon. Minister
Ministry of Railways Ports & Harbours
Private Mail Bag
Accra – Ghana
Tel: (+233-21 681780)
Fax: (+233-21 681781)
Air Travel:
The country is at the hub of an extensive international (and national) airline network that connects Ghana to Africa and the rest of the world. Most major international carriers fly regularly to Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, the main entry point to Ghana by air. This is the result of Ghana’s open skies policy, which frees an air space regulator from the constraints on capacity, frequency, route, structure and other air operational restrictions. In effect, the policy allows the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate with minimal restrictions from aviation authorities, except in cases of safety and standards and/or dominant position to distort market conditions.
Ghana is working to position herself as the gateway to West Africa. KIA remains the leading and preferred airport in the sub-region, having attained Category One status by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit as part of their International Aviation Safety Audit (IASA) programme. As at now, Ghana is one of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa in this category. The others are Egypt, South Africa and Morocco. It handles the highest volume of cargo in the sub-region and has all the requisite safety facilities, recommended practices and security standards.
A rehabilitation programme embarked upon since 1996 has brought about an expansion and refurbishment and upbringing of facilities at the international terminal building, as well as the domestic terminal. These terminals now have significantly increased traveler and cargo capacity. The airport’s runway has been extended to cater for all types of aircraft allowing direct flights from Ghana at maximum take-off weight without the need for technical stops en-route.
Another important part of the airport development programme is the Airport City Project. This involves a $0-acre enclave adjoining the airport, which has been created, serviced and leased to private companies and entrepreneurs who are constructing hotels, shopping malls, entertainment centers, etc to complement the operations of GCAA.
Below is a list of airlines operating in Ghana:
i. ALITALIA
ii. BRITISH AIRWAYS
iii. EGYPTAIR
iv. EMIRATES AIRLINES
v. ETHIOPIANN AIRLINES
vi. GHANA AIRWAYS
vii. KLM
viii. LUFTHANSA
ix. SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
For further information, contact:
The Director General
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Tel: (+233-21) 776171
Email: center@ighmail.com
Website: www.gcaa.com.gh
Harbours:
Ghana has two (2) commercial ports at Tema, in the east and Takoradi in the west. An inland port is under construction at Boankra, near Kumasi
The port of Tema covers 166 hectares of water area enclosed by 2 breakwaters. Ther are 2 quays housing 12 multi-purpose berths. Quay 1 houses berth 6-12, while Quay 2 houses berths 1-5. These berths are operated as common-user and a wide range of cargo including dry bulks, steel products, bagged cargo, newspapers, vehicles and containers. There is a terminal for handling crude and other liquid petroleum products. The oil berth can accommodate tanker of up to 244 metres in length with a maximum draught of 9.7 metres.
Recent years have seen a rapid increase in cargo through Tema and owing to trans-shipment and transit traffic to land-locked Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Indications are that traffic will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
The Takoradi port, a much smaller one, was commissioned in 1928, but underwent major rehabilitation in the 1990s. It is slated for another massive refurbishment under the Ghana Gateway Project in the near future. Currently, it handles about 60% of Ghana’s total exports, which mainly includes minerals (manganese, bauxite and gold), timber and cocoa.
A new centrally located “ inland port” is being constructed at Boankra near Kumasi in the heart of the country. This is expected to be an important staging post for goods in transit to and from the landlocked lying north of Ghana. This will be a multi-modal facility handling both road and rail traffic. When the facility enters service in 2005, cargo owners to the northern part of Ghana will be able to use Boankra as their trans-shipment instead of Tema and Takoradi.
Fishing Harbours:
In the eastern part of Tema is one of Ghana’s main fishing harbours. Another one is at Sekondi and other minor ones are located at Elmina, Mumford and other fishing communities along the coast. The Tema Fishing harbour is divided into 3 zones – the inner outer fishing harbour has a protective water area of 15 hectares, a maximum draught of 5.2 metres and an average draught of 4.0 metres at low water level. Facilities include:
- Lay-by jetting: 155 metres long with berthing for over 50 wooden vessels;
- Mooring for 20 steel vessels;
- Net repairing wharf (100 metres long);
- Two (2) fishing handling sheds;
- Fish market hall.
For further information, contact:
The Director General
Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority
P. O. Box 488
Tema – Ghana
Tel: (+233-21) 204385-6
Fax: (+233 21) 204136
Dry dock:
The port of Tema is also a leading center of ship repairs on the west coast of Africa. Convening nearly 49 acres, the shipyard is a convenient hub for dry-docking and repairs of all kinds of ships ranging form large sea going vessels to coasters and fishing boats. It has facilities for ship repair, dry-docking, steel fabrication, general engineering, met lock repairs and non-destructive testing. It is the intention of the owners of the dry dock – PENANG Shipping and Construction of Malaysia and Ghana Government.
For further information, contact:
The Chief Executive
PSC Tema Shipyard Limited
P. O. Box 454 Tema
Tel: (+233 22) 206517
Fax: (+233 22) 206536
Email: psct@africaonline.com.gh
Website: www.psc-tema.com
Water Transport:
The Volta Lake was created in the early 1960’s by building a dam at Akosombo and flooding the long valley of the River Volta. It is the largest man-made lake in the world stretching 415km form Akosombo 101km north of Accra, to Buipe in northern Ghana, about 200km from Ghana’s border with Burkina Faso.
As a waterway, the Volta Lake plays a key role in the “Ghana Corridor” programme by providing a useful and low cost alternative to road and rail transport between the north and the south. Ghana is in an advantageous position, by virtue of her seaports and inland lake transport system, to service the maritime needs of land-locked countries to the north of Ghana.
A company, Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) uses a fleet of pusher tugs and assorted barges to provide regular north-south services for general cargo and liquid bulks, and tramping service for local traders. VLTC carries 88,000 tones of cargo annually.
Northbound, one of the most important cargoes is diesel oil, which is piped to Akosombo from the Tema Oil Refinery and taken on to final destination (Buipe) by barge. Other cargos include alumina, sulphate, cement, fertilizer, stores and oil products, all of which are conveyed to Akosombo by truck.
Southbound, the barges carry a range of agricultural produce including cassava chips, cotton lint, cottonseed and sheanuts. All these items are trucked south (from Akosombo) to Accra and Tema, from where cottonseeds and sheanuts are exported.
VLTC also operates a 300-passenger capacity vessel between
Akosombo and Yeji in Northern Ghana (293km). This vessel is designed to carry cargo as well as passengers.
For further information, contact:
The Chief Executive
Volta Lake Transport Company Limited
P. O. Box 75 Akosombo – Ghana
Tel: (+233 21) 664439; 665300
(+233 251) 20686; 20697
Fax: (+233 21) 664396
E-mail; akoport@ghana.com
Accomodation
Real Estates Development is one of the priorities of government and this sector enjoys incentives in the form of tax holidays and other concessions. Like many developing countries, Ghana suffers from inadequate housing across the social spectrum of the population. The sector, therefore, offers a wide range of potential for the growing economy. Available data indicates that there is an estimated housing deficit of 1,000,000 units with annual demand and annul supply of 140,000 and 40,000 respectively. Also there is an estimated required investments in housing sector of about US$7.5 bn
Residential Property:
The dire shortage of residential accommodation in the country brought about a revolution in the real estate sector spearheaded by Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Many developers accepted the challenge and developed many schemes to build for the fast emerging middle class and Ghanaian residents abroad. Under the direction of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Ghana’s backlog of housing delivery has substantially reduced. The challenge is now on the delivery of affordable units to meet the aspirations of low-income workers. Though the industry is fraught with constraints, there is a huge demand. Many professionally dependable developers are available in the industry to built to customer specification or sell from its pool of existing units.Some of the significant estates developers who are bridging the housing deficit are Regimanuel Gray Company, Lakeside Estates, Devtraco Limited, and Damas Company Limited to mention but few.
Commercial Property:
Investment also provides a good potential. The shortage of good premises for businesses manifests itself in the current behaviour of the property market where most retail units in prime locations are pre-let. Due to lack of good quality retail premises, most of these trendy shops are located in converted residential premises. I Accra in particular, there is the emergence of shops in response to demand.. Some of the shopping centres are Accra Shopping Mall, A & C Shopping Mall among others.
The demand for Warehouses is also on the increase due to the fact that distribution of merchandise forms a large part of the economy. As there is lack of retail space most of the newly built units are small in size hence the tenants in most cases require off-site storage for their wares. The lack of purpose built warehouse means that most storage is done on residential premises with its attendant dangers to the residents and the public at large. Large tracts of land exist in newly developing estates for future development. The Ghana Shippers council (GSC) has acquired six (6) warehousing units in the port of Tema with a storage capacity of 6,444 square metres. This facility is available to all shippers of any type of goods, except hazardous cargos and liquids.
Meeting Venues:
Ghana provides some of the finest state-of-the-art conference facilities in Africa and a broad choice of other meeting venues. Accra offers modern first class hotels, major exhibition and trade fair facilities. Outside Accra, modern and flexible meeting facilities are available in Kumasi, Cape Coast and most other regions. Below is a list of some major meeting venues in Accra, the nation’s capital:
| |
Venue
|
Accommodation
|
Contact
|
| |
Accra International Conference Centre (AICC)
|
Plenary Hall 1600 + Supplementary Rooms
|
Box C. 1054, Accra
Tel: +233 302 669600
Fax: +233 302 669159
|
| |
National Theatre
|
Auditorium
|
P. O Box 198, Accra
Tel: +233 302 663459
|
| |
University of Ghana - Legon
|
Great Hall 1500
|
P. O Box 25, Legon
Tel: +233 302 775381
|
| |
LABADI Beach Hotel
|
200
|
P. O Box 1
Trade Fair, Accra
Tel: +233 302 772501
Fax: 233 302 772520
|
| |
British Council
|
200
|
P. O Box 771, Accra
Tel: +233 302 663414
|
| |
M-Plaza Hotel
|
400
|
P. O Box 0608
Osu - Accra
Tel: +233 302 775922;
763492-3; 763495
Fax: +233-302 763416/7
|
| |
La Palm Royal Beach
|
400
|
Tel: +233 302 771666
Fax: +233 302 771717
|
| |
Golden Tulip Hotel
|
250
|
P. O Box 16033, Accra
Tel: +233 21 775360
Fax: +233 21 775361
|
| |
NOVOTEL
|
250
|
P. O Box 12720, Accra
Tel: +233 21 667546
Fax: +233 21 667533
|
| |
North Ridge Hotel
|
100
|
P. O Box 1365, Accra
Tel: +233 21 225809
Fax: +233 21 221417
|
| |
SANAA Lodge Hotel
|
100
|
P. O Box 6461, Accra
Tel: +233 21 220443
Fax: 233 21 227494
|
| |
MIKLIN Hotel
|
200
|
P. O. Box 1791, Accra
Tel: +233 21 500708; 502386; 502387
|
| |
Golden Beach Resort
|
65
|
Tel: +233 42 34353-6
Fax: +233 42 33714
|
| |
Volta Hotel
|
60
|
P. O Box 25, Akosombo
Tel: +233 21 251731
|
| |
Wangara Hotel
|
50
|
Labone Crescent,
P. O. Box 6565, Accra
Tel: +233 21 772525; 772585
Fax: +233 21 772438
|
| |
Source: Compiled by GIPC |
|
Education
Another significant part of the Government’s development priorities is the provision of enhanced social services with emphasis on Education and Health. Investment in human resource development starts with education. Education does not only broaden one’s perspective on global and national issues, but also one’s up access to greater opportunities for improvement in one’s living conditions.
According to the 2000 Population Census, 53.3% of Ghana’s population (15 years and above) is literate in either English or a known Ghanaian language. Since much of literature and mass communication is in English, the effective literacy level is 46.9%. The level of literacy is higher for males (62.9%) than females (45.7%).
The education system provides for a nine-year Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), which is followed by a middle-level of 3-year Secondary/Technical/Commercial, and Vocational education. The tertiary level consists of Teacher Training Colleges, Diploma and Degree awarding institutions. The private sector plays an important role in education service delivery in Ghana. Until recently, this role was restricted to the kindergarten, nursery, primary, second-cycle institutions and to a lesser extent, tutorial colleges. Since 1996, however, private initiative in tertiary education has surged in response to excess demand for higher-level education and the shortfall in public sector delivery efforts. As at the end of 2003, the tertiary sector was made up of the following:
i. Universities (Public) - 5
ii. University Colleges (Private) - 9
iii. Tutorial Colleges - 9
iv. Theological Colleges - 6
v. Polytechnics (Public) -10
vi. Distance Learning Centres - 2
vii. Others :
- GIMPA
- Ghana Institute of Journalism
- Institute of Professional Studies
- NAFTI
- Academy of Screen Arts
In addition, there are various specialized international schools, which follow the curricular of specific foreign examination syllabuses established principally to meet the needs of the expatriate community in the country. Notable among these are the schools catering for the American, British, French and Swiss educational systems.
Also, there are specialized management, technical and vocational institutions, which are responsible for human resource development, which ensure an immediate availability of skilled and trainable labour force as well as technical and managerial personnel.
Health
Ghana has a relatively good health delivery service with the West African sub-region. All regional and district capitals, as well as most towns have hospitals, polyclinics or clinics. The two (2) teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases, including skin grafting and all types of Cardio cases. The 37 Military Hospital (with the recent rehabilitation) is also gearing up to become one of the best medical facilities in the West African sub-region. Additionally, several religious organizations and private medical practitioners operate specialized and generalized hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practiced.
A National Health Insurance Scheme has been instituted in Ghana in place of a “Cash and Carry” system. Parliament has since the end of the year 2003 passed this scheme into law. The scheme has been launched nation-wide and funding has been provided for it at all the 110 administrative Districts of the country. The introduction of the scheme followed about two years of piloting in 45 districts.
Tourism
Ghana’s tourism sector enjoys numerous strengths including the friendliness and helpfulness of its people. The Ghanaian Hospitality is legendary. Ghana is a peaceful and loving country, where all visitors are warmly received. Ghanaians are often referred to as Africa’s Friendliest People because they are a fun-loving and cheerful people, who are proud of their country and traditions. It is a free society where much emphasis is placed on courtesy and politeness. A handshake is key to everything.
The Government has formulated a policy to develop Ghana into an internationally competitive tourist destination. To this end, a series of activities has been undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City to improve upon the operations of the hospitality industry in the country. In 1996, a 15-year Master Plan for tourism development was initiated to guide the private sector and government agencies to identify and develop opportunities in the sector.
There has been a phenomena increase in tourist arrivals in the country over the last ten years. Between 1992 and 2002, tourist arrivals in Ghana increased form 213,316 to 482,643 with a corresponding increase in receipts from US$166 million to US$519.57 million. With this, tourism has proven its case as a serious income generating economic sector, whose time for conversion from a want into a need has come. Determined to build on these successes, tourism is targeted to attract one million tourists who will generate US$1.5 billion by the year 2007. An estimated 300,000 would also be employed by the sector, making it the biggest employer after agriculture and the retail sector.
The country boasts of very good golf courses, safe and un-spoilt beaches with world class hotels and restaurants. Most cities have many active ‘Keep Fit Clubs’, which have members form different countries. There are also facilities for game fishing (mauling).
Below is a breakdown of licensed accommodation establishments in the country as at the end of December 2003:
Five Star - 1
Number of 2 Star Hotels and above
(Excluding budget hotels - 117
Number of rooms for above - 3,391
Number of beds for above - 4,539
Source: (Ghana Tourist Board)
For more information on tourism, contact:
Ministry of Tourism & Modernization of the Capital City
Tel: (+233 21) 666314; 666426
Near Tesano Police Station
Tel: (+233 21) 222153; 231817; 244794
