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The importance of tourism to the socioeconomic development in Ghana
Ampofo, Margaret
Tourism is increasingly becoming a powerful tool for economic development and job creation worldwide. African countries, such as Ghana have recently seen toursim as a viable sector and invested in the industry to generate revenue for growth and development. This research examines the importance of tourism sector in Ghana. Also, the study identifies the prominent tourist destination sites in the country. To achieve the aims of the research, a qualitative research method of content analysis are used. In essence, the study was largely dependent on secondary sources, and it is substantially descriptive in nature.The tourism industry in Ghana has over the years seen a lot of development and advancement in that, it is gradually becoming the principal industry that contributes immensely to the GDP of the country as well as providing job opportunities for the local inhabitants. Also, the study identified Kakum National Park, Cape-Coast/Elmina Castles, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kumasi Zoo and Wli Waterfalls as the most prominent tourist destination sites in Ghana although these sites have not been developed to meet the global standard. The study also established that the only policy in place for the protection of the tourist sites was deficient in addressing the maintenance needs of the sites nevertheless, Ghana has prospects and potentials to develop its tourism industry. The main challenges facing the country’s tourism sector are poor management and lack of maintenance not just on the part of the tourism operators but also with the state with regards to improper allocation of the “national cake” or state’s resources towards the proper maintainance and development the various tourist destination sites. Another major challenge is the lack of collaboration between the private tourist operators and the state in organising attractive tourist packages but less expensive to attract and entice tourists both locally and international to boost the growth of the industry.
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