Ghana to establish convention bureau in 2027 to attract global conferences – Ato Forson

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, says the government will establish a professional convention bureau in 2027 to attract and secure recurring African and global conferences as part of efforts to make Ghana a leading destination for international business tourism.

He announced the plan while presenting the 2027 Budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 12.

He said the initiative would support Ghana's ambition to become West Africa's destination of choice for international conferences and business tourism.

“Mr Speaker, in 2027, we will establish a professional convention bureau to bid for recurring African and global conferences,” he told Parliament.

Dr Forson said Accra would serve as the country's principal international hub, while Kumasi would be developed as a complementary destination for business, cultural and other major events, leveraging its rich cultural heritage.

As part of the broader plan, he said the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) will build and operate an ultra-modern international convention centre at the La Trade Fair Centre.

The Finance Minister also said the government will grant SSNIT tax incentives to build five hotels by 2030.

He said these will include five-star hotels in Accra and Kumasi, and four-star facilities in the Cape Coast and Elmina heritage corridor, the Volta Region and Northern Ghana.

Dr Forson further announced that the government would complete a new National Theatre in Kumasi to serve as a cultural, performance, conference and creative-industry facility.