Last Tuesday, while at Kotoka International Airport en route to Kenya on a national assignment, I noticed hundreds of travellers—many from East and Southern Africa—going through departure formalities. Curious, I struck up a conversation with a couple from Zimbabwe and discovered that nearly 300 of them had come for the “Give Thyself Wholly Conference 2025,” organised by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and the United Denominations from the Lighthouse Group of Churches.
Held at the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training College, the conference drew thousands of pastors, ministers, and church workers from across the globe. Over four days in Accra and Mampong, these visitors not only attended sessions but also experienced Ghanaian culture and hospitality.
This isn’t an isolated case. Events like the International Central Gospel Church’s Greater Works Conference, The Church of Pentecost’s Global Ministers and Wives Conference, and the Christian Action Faith Ministries’ Impact Convention attract thousands of foreign attendees each year. These gatherings bring significant numbers of international visitors—each with potential to boost Ghana’s tourism sector.
Countries like Kenya integrate nearly every major activity into their tourism strategy. Ghana can do the same by having the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts partner with churches to deliberately channel such events into tourism growth.
Religious conferences are more than spiritual gatherings—they are opportunities to market Ghana, drive hospitality revenues, and strengthen our economy. It’s time to move beyond lip service and fully harness this potential.
May God bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong!
Engr. Eric Atta-Sonno
eattasonno@gmail.com | 024-3-821447
source: myjoyonline
