Following a comprehensive rehabilitation project funded by the World Bank and led by the Akufo-Addo administration, Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah Memorial and Mausoleum Park (KNMMP) has seen a dramatic rise in visits, attracting approximately 200,000 visitors each month since its reopening in July 2023.
This surge marks a major shift for the site, which previously received fewer than 30,000 visitors annually before the Year of Return campaign in 2019.
Successful Collaboration with World Bank Boosts Tourism
The success of the project was highlighted during a visit by a World Bank delegation led by Ousmane Diagana, President for Western and Central Africa. 
Mr. Diagana noted that the revitalization has turned the park into a key player in Ghana’s tourism sector. “The surge in visitor numbers demonstrates the success of government and World Bank efforts in preserving cultural heritage while boosting economic growth through tourism,” he stated.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: A Cultural Landmark
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, established in 1992, is dedicated to Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The site serves as an important monument, attracting visitors from around the globe who come to learn about Nkrumah’s life and legacy. Prior to the recent enhancements, the park hosted around 98,000 visitors annually, but the recent renovations have significantly boosted its popularity.
World Bank Loan Supports Major Tourism Improvements
Recognizing the value of tourism to the country’s economy, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
The loan was aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of key tourist sites. This investment has had a profound impact on the tourism sector, providing a much-needed facelift for the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park after over 25 years of limited upgrades.
Tourism Boom in the Savannah Region
In addition to the success of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Savannah Region has experienced a notable increase in tourism in 2024.
Key tourist attractions such as Mole National Park, the Larabanga Mosque, the Mystery Stone, Salaga Slave Market, and its wells have all seen major improvements. These efforts have made the region more attractive to tourists and investors, driving economic growth and creating new jobs.
Significant Increase in Tourist Arrivals in 2024
Data from the Ghana Tourism Authority’s Savannah Regional Office reveals that the region welcomed 23,900 tourists in 2024, a 5,740 increase from the 18,160 visitors recorded in 2023.
The boost in tourism reflects the growing appeal of these revitalized attractions.
The Role of Emancipation Day Commissioning in Boosting Salaga Tourism
The 2024 commissioning of the Salaga Market and Heritage Site on Emancipation Day has also contributed to the surge in tourism in Salaga.
The event highlights Ghana’s rich history and culture, further boosting the region’s tourism prospects.
Tourism as a Major Economic Driver for Ghana
Tourism is Ghana’s third-largest source of foreign exchange earnings, after merchandise exports and remittances. The revitalization of key tourist sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the development of the Savannah Region offer significant potential to boost the country’s economy.
With sustained investment and focus on improving tourism infrastructure, Ghana stands to reap substantial economic dividends from its growing tourism sector.
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