An Examination of Ecotourism Development in Ghana: Case Study of the Kakum National Park

Abstract

This study examines ecotourism development in Ghana. For the purpose of investigation, the researcher uses the ecotourist destination of Kakum National Park as case study to evaluate the involvement of the local community in the decision making and its impacts/benefits to the communities. Two communities, Abrafo-Odumase and Mesomagor were chosen for this study. In order to develop a credible framework, the available related literature was reviewed. Primary data was mainly used for the study to gather data from the indigenous people and staff of Kakum National Park.   Interviews were the main instrument employed to carry out for the study.  A total of sixty nine people were interviewed and discourse analysis was used for the study. In sum, it emerged from the study that the indigenes were not involved in decision making and that ecotourism activities can be negative and positive. The researchers recommend that all stakeholders should work to ensure that there is grass root participation among all indigenes and appropriate revenue sharing scheme should be put in place.

Keywords: Ecotourism, Kakum National Park, Conservation, Wildlife Division. World Tourism Organisation, Indigenes, Forestry commission