Joseph Chibu
Ghana has restated its commitment to deepening tourism and cultural relations with Nigeria, with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, *Mr. Yusif Jajah*, describing Nigeria as a critical partner in growing visitor numbers to Ghana.
The Minister spoke on Tuesday night at an executive dinner held at *Safari Valley Resort, Adukrom*, in honour of the National Executive Council of the *National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA*. The Nigerian travel trade body was in Ghana for a retreat and familiarisation tour of *Safari World*, one of Ghana’s leading leisure, tourism and entertainment brands.
*NIGERIA DRIVES GHANA’S TOURISM NUMBERS*
Mr. Jajah told the gathering that Nigeria continues to rank among the top countries feeding tourists into Ghana.
“This executive dinner is an important platform for strengthening collaboration between our government, tourism stakeholders, and travel trade partners. Nigeria, our big brothers, remains one of Ghana’s most important tourism markets,” he said.
Quoting from Ghana’s 2025 Tourism Report, the Deputy Minister disclosed that the country recorded *over 1.3 million international arrivals in 2025*.
“In other words, out of that 1.3 million, America is the first international arrival, and our big brother Nigeria is the second largest with over *176,000 international arrivals from Nigeria* in the year 2025.
“We appreciate that, but despite this number, we know it’s more than this number, but at least, it’s an indication about over 176,000 in the year 2025 international arrivals from Nigeria to Ghana. Thank you. We will be more than happy to also hear our Ghanaians who always visit Nigeria, so that we can synergise. This exemplifies a strong people-to-people connection between our countries.”
*NANTA MARKS 50 YEARS, EYES PAN-AFRICAN GROWTH*
In his remarks, NANTA President Yinka Folami PHD, stated that the association recently celebrated its *50 years* of existence with a membership strength of *over 4,000* across Nigeria.
He said the bond between Ghana and Nigeria in tourism has always been strong and must be sustained.
“One undeniable fact is that Ghana and Nigeria have always been on the positive side of Pan-Africanism. Every journey between Ghana and Nigeria will strengthen Pan-Africa,” Folami further stated.
He added: “When I was in school, my geography teacher, a Ghanaian, would always tell us how Africa was partitioned. And that those maps are for administrative convenience. We are one continent, and it will be a sin for any Nigerian or African not to support or market Safari World.”
Nanta president also called on Ghanaian tourism operators to reciprocate by marketing Nigeria as a destination to their clients.
*SAFARI WORLD’S 15-YEAR DREAM MATERIALISES*
The founder and Chief Executive of Safari World, *Mr. Samuel Afari, a forest scientist and conservationist said the visit by NANTA represented a major boost for regional cooperation in West Africa.
He noted that hosting the Nigerian delegation was the fulfillment of a *15-year vision* to build a strong partnership between his company and the Nigerian travel market.
Commending the investment,
Folami described Mr. Afari’s work as extraordinary.
“And what you have built is breath-taking. And I want to thank you. So, because we now know, I’m putting this challenge to my colleagues. We must convert this to commercial opportunities for our members.”
To close the evening, NANTA presented certificates of appreciation to both the Deputy Minister and Mr. Samuel Afari in recognition of their roles in promoting Nigeria-Ghana tourism relations.
The familiarisation visit is expected to translate into new tour packages that will bring more Nigerian travelers to Safari World’s destinations in Accra, Ada and Dawu.