2027 Budget: Govt to conserve slave trade sites, strengthen museums under $1bn tourism investment plan

Ghana's government has announced a $1 billion investment plan to conserve the country's historical heritage sites, museums, and archives, as part of its broader tourism, culture, and creative arts sector initiative. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed these measures during the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

The focus of the plan is on Pillar Five of the government's development agenda, with an emphasis on preserving forts, castles, and other sites linked to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The government aims to ensure these sites are presented with historical accuracy, dignity, and care, while also improving multilingual interpretation services, training conservators and tour guides, and enhancing the management of Ghana's historical attractions.

In addition to conservation efforts, the government plans to connect heritage sites to essential infrastructure and commercial activities, such as roads, public spaces, hotels, transport services, and local enterprises like Ghanaian food businesses. This approach will guide construction activities and ensure that communities are involved in sharing their histories, maintaining local perspectives within Ghana's heritage tourism experience.

The government also intends to sustain the December festivities and expand tourism through heritage journeys, ancestry services, family reunions, educational programs, and creative arts offerings. The Black Star Experience, which will run throughout the year, will be supported by a national events calendar and competitive destination bidding to attract visitors across different seasons and regions.