In a major diplomatic win that firmly cements the nation’s standing as a premier destination for heritage and diaspora tourism, Ghana has successfully secured the bid to host the historic 70th Session of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in 2027.
The announcement came at the conclusion of the 69th CAF session in Seychelles, setting the stage for a massive continental gathering that will uniquely coincide with Ghana’s milestone 70th Independence Anniversary.
A Historic Convergence
Presenting Ghana’s successful bid before continental ministers and delegates, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, highlighted the profound symbolism of the timing.
“Our desire to host this important gathering is driven by our unwavering commitment to advancing tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic transformation, cultural exchange, and African integration,” Madam Gomashie stated. She noted that the dual celebration of 70 years of national independence alongside the 70th session of UN Tourism offers an unparalleled platform to map out Africa’s shared future.
The continental forum will draw an extensive crowd to Accra, uniting:
● Policymakers and Tourism Ministers to draft post-pandemic growth frameworks.
● Private Sector Operators and Investors eyeing infrastructure expansion.
● Creatives and Artisans looking to capitalize on regional heritage.
Showcasing the ‘Gateway to Africa’
Positioned as the “Gateway to Africa” and the landmass closest to the center of the world, Ghana aims to leverage the summit to cement its dominance in heritage, cultural, and diaspora tourism.
Delegates visiting the capital in 2027 will be treated to a curated showcase of Ghana’s colorful traditional festivals, diverse local cuisines, indigenous craftsmanship, and vibrant music and dance scenes. Beyond the celebrations, the minister assured the global community that the country possesses the robust security, world-class hospitality infrastructure, and organizational capacity required to smoothly execute an event of this magnitude.
A Platform for Continental Advocacy
In addition to economic and promotional strategies, the Ministry announced that Ghana intends to use the global platform to extend its appreciation to fellow African states for backing the country’s international legal advocacy.
Specifically, the event will serve to acknowledge support for President John Dramani Mahama’s ongoing international campaign for reparatory justice, celebrating recent achievements that culminated in the United Nations formally recognizing historical slavery as a crime against humanity.
With the green light officially given by UN Tourism, the West African nation will now pivot toward a comprehensive, multi-sector preparations strategy to deliver a historic and impactful continental gathering.
