Features of Natural Environment in Ghana, Which Attracts Tourists - Case Study Example

Ghana in Africa Name Professor Course Date A Map of Ghana Retrieved from www.nationsonline.org/.../map/ghana_map.htm  Introduction Ghana is among the unique tourist destinations in Africa. It is competitive not only in Africa, but also in the whole the world. It has rich coastal history because of slave trade that took place several centuries ago. The forts are the major tourism attraction because they serve as memories of difficulty times when Africans were sold as slaves to the Europeans and Americans. It is a center of unity for Ghanaians who for many times drink beer together and share these painful memories. The country is also rich in culture, which is manifested in arts and galleries and has acted as source of income for the people. Ghana has friendly people who embrace and easily interact with others. Willing and committed governing authority has led to the improvements of tourism, promoted sustainability, and maintained the country as one of the most secure in West Africa. Parks, museums exhibit beauty of both natural and artificially modified attractions reflecting the culture of the people and willing to foster sustained tourism. Heritage, culture, and history of tourism are among the factors explored in this project. A number of challenges facing the industry, effects on the people as well as push and pull factors are discussed in this project. Features of Natural Environment in Ghana, which Attracts Tourists Ghana has many wild animals reserved in the parks. The variety of wildlife includes more than 200 species of birds, monkeys, more than 400 species of butterflies, mammalian species such as elephant, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelopes, waterbucks, hartebeests, hyenas, buffalos, and primates (Finley 2001). It also has various reptiles, amphibians, and wild vegetation. Tourists are attracted to these natural features to enjoy seeing the wildlife, hunting, fishing, and bird watching (Austen 2001, p. 58). In addition to the wide range of wildlife, Ghana is well known for its warm and cool climates, especially in the beaches. It contains inland lakes and coastal waters. Tourists are attracted to these sites mostly to see waterfalls, cruising on rivers and lakes, swimming, scuba diving, boating, sport fishing, watching crocodiles and hippos (Weaver & Lawton 2002). Tourists also enjoy resting in Ghana beaches, which are not crowded or spoiled. In the coastal area, tourists view the Atlantic Ocean while resting in the nearby hills. Mountain and rock climbing are other natural environment attractions to the tourists visiting Ghana (Weaver &Lawton2002). The main Characteristics of Ghana People Ghana has six ethnic groups namely the Akan, Ewe, Guan, MoleDagabani, Ga-Adangbe, and Gurma (Weaver $ Lawton 2002). The central region of Ghana where the main tourism industry dominates is said to be rich in culture, especially the people of Elmina. Elmina has 32 traditional areas where customs and culture are maintained (Austen 2001, p. 58). Ghanaians have many language used in communication. The official language is English accompanied by other local languages such as Ga, Fante, Twi, Hausa, Nzema, and Ewe among others (Weaver &Lawton 2002). All these local languages are somehow different from one another, but they share a common origin. The different dialect shared in this community contains many proverbs, which represent a symbol of wisdom when communicating. The people of Ghana are known to hold a number of festive ceremonies more particularly in the rite of passage. Other festive ceremonies occur during the introduction of new leadership and Panafest ceremony of Ghanaian roots (Austen 2001, p. 58). Festive ceremonies are accompanied by traditional dances and music. However, there are three categories of music namely traditional, highlife, and imported music; each played at specific occasion (Austen 2001, p. 58). Ghanaians highly value religion associations, and this is reflected in their characters. Christianity is widely spread in the region whereas Muslim and tradition African religion are minimally adopted. Temples, churches, and mosques are used to differentiate the type of religion present in a particular place. Proper social behaviors are encouraged to every individual with respect to family, leadership, and social life in general (Brokensha &Guldberg 1992). The common foods recognized in Ghana are different variety of soups, such as groundnut, light, and palm nut. These are served with fufu, cassava, boiled yams, bread, banku, konte, plantain, or rice (Brokensha & Guldberg 1992). Ghanaians engage in economic activities, such as small scale farming carving, business, and inland fishing (Brokensha &Guldberg 1992). Tree crop farming is mostly practiced for export markets; agroforestry and tourism. These are supported by the agricultural information centers in the place. They also engage in production of salt though in small scale (Finley 2001). Fishing activities are done mainly to enhance the tourism industry. The ministry of fisheries in the region supports the fishing process by providing cooling facilities and promoting the exportation of exotic fish such as shrimps, squid, and lobsters (Finley 2001). Others economic activities include gold mining, palm oil refinery, micro-entrepreneurs, and production of kaolin and allied products (Ghana Tourism Board 2005). Major Heritage Resource in Cape Coast and Elmina Heritage is something, which has been left by history and passed on through tradition. It includes historical sites, building, sceneries, buildings, and conserved natural resources (Ghana Tourism Board 2005.). Tourists are usually attracted to seeing these historical sites, buildings, parks, museums, and villages (Ghana Tourism Board 2005.). The Ghana Slaves Forts is one of the historical buildings tourists’ visits and reminds them of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The building reminds the brutality and violence that African slaves experienced in the castles of Cape Coast Elmina castles and Dungeons (MacCannell 1976). The structures also served as prisons and sometimes the government could use them as offices when the country was a British colony. These structures are very important in the history of Ghanaians in a way that people use them to organize parties where they stock beer and later drink it together as a sign of unity (MacCannell 1976). They remind about the slave trade that existed several centuries ago among Europeans, Africans, and Americans. The place is known to have acted like a main gate of this trade and therefore, very significant both to the inhabitants of this land and visitors. This famous site also acted as storage for gold, ivory, and other goods while awaiting transport to other parts of the world (MacCannell, 1976). The place is as well important business area because of the many people who came to the place; for instance, some purchased beer and other commodities. The government is also in the process of converting some of these forts to lodges where tourist can spent nights to enjoy this beauty. However, this area is contested Because of lacking unified memory between the current inhabitants of the land and those abroad. Divergence in approach makes the history of this place, which is supposed to be one of the richest, to be contested (DeCorse 2001). Africans takes the history of this place as just a single aspect of its history whereas African Americans sees the place as a point of separation from the continent. Furthermore, lack of clear guidelines and African oriented facts about the history of this place is a major hindrance to a possible unification of those abroad and their descendants separated by this trade. Some of these forts have been converted to hospitals, jails, guests’ houses, and libraries. The sites have provided memories and shaped moral and racial mindedness. Sometimes, there are uncomfortable nights at the forts as people drink beer and cerebrate. The charges are about 6000 cedi’s per for foreign visitors, but this depend on the fort visited. Visitors from both Ghana and abroad value the sites (DeCorse 2001). Museums are also a common tourist attraction in Ghana with the largest museum in the capital. Some of the contents include Stone Age materials, beads, musical instruments, tools, and textiles (DeCorse 2001).Ghana has about 25 museums with eight of them under management of one division (Austen 2001, p. 58). They cover the past and the present history of the Ghanaians with both geographical and religion themes. They also offer insight into structures used in slave trade as well as offering exhibitions of tactics used in this trade. Restaurants and shops exist in these museums. Ghana has seven national parks and about six reserves (Graburn 1983, p.76). They are famous for mammals, bird, and other wild animals. The most famous and accessible is Kakum National park (Graburn 1983, p.76). In this park, one enjoys beautiful canopy walk and free entrance to gift shops and museums. However, the animals in the park cannot be seen because the place is fully covered with tall trees and enormous. Kakum is 33 km to the north of cape coast and 170 km away from Accra (Weaver &Lawton 2002). The History of the Ghana Tourism Industry Various factors led to the emergency and development of tourism industry in Ghana. The first factor to consider is the richest historical culture of Ghanaians preserved in the castles of “Cape Coast and Elmina” as well as the three World heritage Forts located in the central region (MacGonagle 2006, p. 249). This resulted to the establishment of the heritage tourism, which gave a rich history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade practiced in the past. Eco-tourism in Ghana was because of the many natural resources such as wildlife, inland lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and other important resources (MacGonagle 2006, p. 249). However, in the first phase of tourist development, the country could not manage it because of financial instability. It was therefore supported by the foreign country of Danish in a period of 15 years starting from 1975 to 1990 (Hasty 2002, p. 47). Afterwards, the tourism sector in Ghana was gaining stability and a number of hotels and boardrooms were being establish based on the modern style, which could accommodate a large number of tourists (Hasty 2002, p. 47). In addition, the importance of tourism to the locals was also promoted through job creations, balanced regional development, revenue, and income distribution, which improved their living standards. At the national level, Ghana tourism was developed, as a source of foreign exchange and government revenue thereby enhancing the economic development of the country (Girshick 2004). Currently, the sector has undergone major improvement with an aim of attracting a large number of tourists. Motivational Factors Exploring Ghana’s historical coastline is one of the most interesting things one can have. Enjoyable breeze, which makes one lively in the stay, attracts most of these tourists. Booking a cheap hotel and sharing with local people about their lifestyle and experiences. The place is also easily accessible and free of challenges. The place is filled with smiling faces of local people and children asking for some gifts while taking the tourists through the place in friendly manner (Girshick 2004). However, the place is very humid and one would prefer to stay indoors or swimming in the afternoon. Historical facts ranging from slave trade era to the times of British invasion in the gold coast motivates the visitors to the destination (Hasty 2002, p. 47). Evidence is very clear of how the place used to be one of the largest slaves trading point, with gates and forts. Walking inside the Kakum Park with rainy forest while enjoying canopy walk makes one feel connected with nature (Girshick 2004). Ghana is also known for colorful festivals and friendly people who are ready to receive other people, which gives a sense of belonging. Museums with attractive displays expound on the issues of slave trade and the rich culture of the local people. Art and galleries with African themes broaden visitors’ minds to see beyond their culture (Lasansky& McLaren 2004) Push Factors Economic forces have profound effects on tourism in Ghana. Economic crisis makes it difficult for many people to visit parks and other places. When the economy is doing well, more visitors are expected thereby creating employment, provide good infrastructure, and reduce poverty. This is very significant to this industry and the country as a whole. Social stability, which is a very important aspect emphasized in this country allows for free conduction of activities. Everybody whether citizen or visitor is free to visit and even own business without discrimination. The country enjoys transparency that meets international standards. Advanced technology, especially in information will sustainably grow tourism. Technology has also affected agrochemicals and other wastes making the place ecologically fit for animals and environment. There is also political will, which makes it attract investors and improve tourism by providing accommodation, transport, eco-tourism, and catering (Girshick 2004). These will eventually promote tourism in this region. Pull Factors The country has good infrastructure, which enables the industry to be more open for both internal and external tourism (Lasansky & McLaren 2004). The coastal region is open to the ocean, which makes it easily accessible. This factor led to the construction of slave structures, which are currently tourism sites. The availability of airport and rail transport enhances connectivity (Graburn 1983, p.76). Attractive sites such as rainy forest of Kakum National park and historically rich museums attract many people. The place has rich culture with a long historical background making it unique and admirable. Affordability has been assured, which makes it easier for locals to participate whereas visitors enjoy friendly rates. However, the charges differ concerning individual tourism destination and depend on forces of the economy. The place enjoys peace such that everybody is safe and secure. This has been made possible by political will and stability. For more complete and economically viable tourism, the government is yet to define fully the role of coastal tourism leading to contention, which hinder maximum exploitation of the potential of that place has (Hasty 2002, p. 47). Tourists’ activities in Ghana There are many activities that tourists in Ghana do in various tourists sites. These activities are grouped into two categories namely the viewing and doing activities (Lasansky, &McLaren 2004). Ghana has diverse natural resources such wildlife, mountains, and caves, inland lakes, rivers, waterfalls and other attractive resources, which attract the tourists’ attention. In addition, they engage in photographing all these beautiful resources. Similarly, the tourists enjoy watching performances by the traditional artists and dancers (Nora 1989, p. 10). The second category of tourists’ activities in Ghana includes; mountain and rock climbing, sport fishing in pristine wetlands, visiting cultural heritage places such as Elmina and Cape Coast, guided nature walk in Ankasa National Park and others (Nora 1989, p.10). Tourists also enjoy swimming and relaxing in the uncroweded beaches of Ghana coast. They also use the tourists guide provided in each site when locating their interested destinations. Furthermore, tourists also visit the nearby hotels to get their meals and markets where they buy traditional items for pleasure or as remembrance of that place Impacts of Tourism on Ghanaians Tourism is one of the fourth earners of foreign exchange in Ghana. It has employed 65% of women in this country and thus a major way of fighting poverty and creating self-employment. Women in large numbers have ventured in this industry with many of them old and well-motivated. Tourism has also opened and developed rural areas where locals have invested greatly in art, which includes woodcarvings (Nora 1989, p.10). This has led to growth of economy and has kept the cultures of people in both minds and physical structures. The people who benefit from this industry are also friendly, social, and interactive and therefore accommodate people of all races. It has also made them united when they cerebrate in such places as Cape Coast and forts, which reminds them of past events. Tourism also provides market for locally produced agricultural goods, which overall have profound effects to growth of economy and alleviate poverty (Reed 2004, p. 21). Ecotourism makes the local people friendly to the ecosystem and their environment, which in the end earns them income. Income from businesses earns them high profits and improves their way of life. However, expansion of infrastructure has led to destruction of natural environment, which is against the rules of sustainability. It also changes people way of life when exploited for short-term benefits, which in the end expose them to modern tempting cultures. Accommodation in Ghana Tourists visiting Ghana are availed with different kinds of accommodation depending on the level of affordability, enjoyment, and experience they want to have. There are few international standards hotels spacious enough to accommodate all those tourists that need high level of luxury, such as high speed wireless internet, air conditioned guestrooms, and swimming pools among services. There are also good quality hotels for medium class tourists, which provide hospitality experiences of the tradition African culture. In addition, there are affordable hotels with basic services for financially unstable tourists. Beach huts are also present, mostly in built with indigenous materials (Teye 1988, p. 336). Camping is also encouraged, but it should not be done in dangerous places such as parks. Transportation in Ghana Visitors from different places of the world can rich the sites within a very short time using Ghana airways. However, they are very expensive means of transport. Another means of transport in the area is use of railways, which are limited to few areas of Accra, Kumasi, and Tokoradi. The railway transport is affordable and efficient. Road transport is both public and private. Private transport is more efficient compared to state transport. Road transport is cheap but it consumes a lot of time in case of police checkups and overcrowding (Reed 2004, p. 21). Gastronomic experiences in Ghana Gastronomic or food experiences in Ghana involves moving from one place to another to enjoy the type of food available and knowing how to prepare some meals and drinks. In Ghana, tourists can enjoy eating the Ghanaian and international food from tourist’s reception facility, hotels, food vendors, home stay, or local restaurant (Teye 1988, p. 336). They also welcomed to participate in cooking classes, attend food and drink festival ceremonies and visit farms containing wide variety of crops such as tree crops and vegetables. The local cuisine in Ghana is mainly grainy staple food served with soup or stew. These grainy foods, such as fufu, gari, yakayaka, banku and kenkeyare eaten with only right bare hand with delicious soup and stew made such as groundnut, palm, nkontomire and light soup (Reed 2004, p. 21). Others meals include grilled, smoked, or fried seafood such as barracuda, tuna, and lobster. Local snacks include roasted peanuts and maize, plantain, smoked fish, fresh bread and local biscuits. Drinks are also available such as local beer (akepeteshie), refreshing beer, and palm wine. Nonalcoholic drinks such as fizzy soft drink and fresh fruits juices, and foreign drinks are available at different prices (Teye 1988, p. 336) Conclusion Over years, tourists have visited this rich tourism area because of its rich cultures and historical background. The memorable experiences from this place are evident as well as friendly people and sustained environment. The place has also well-developed infrastructure, which is key to this industry. The benefits enjoyed from tourism enable the locals to team up with the government, which has led to profitable businesses hence improving lifestyle and economy in general. Good and affordable accommodation makes the destination, especially the coastal region to be one of the most preferred in West Africa. However, some of the coastal region has been contested because of diverse approach to slave trade between the locals and Africa-Americans. Negative aspects of tourism have also been encountered which include; interference of the natural environment by constructed infrastructure and cultural conflict with modern foreign cultures. The country is the best to tour in the region. When all factors will be put in place will be best to visit in the whole world. ADVENTURE IN GHANA Ghana is one of the countries with diverse natural resources and cultural heritage resources. The natural resources form the eco-tourism while the historical buildings provide the heritage tourism. Come and enjoy the beautiful parks containing diverse wildlife and botanical gardens. The biggest waterfall is also available where you can enjoy watching them and taking snaps. Do not even miss to see the awesome traditional dancers’ performances. Do you know the history behind transatlantic slave trade? Come and experience the history by visiting the castles of Elmina and cape coast. About the meals? we cater for all our visitors by providing variety of meals ranging from the traditional to the modern delicacies. Samples of the most Attraction Sites for our Guests Feel free to contact us through the following contacts. Ghana Tourist Board, Accra: +234 20 602 501 or http://www.ghanatourism.gov.gh Accommodation facilities Accra: +23358726254 Site location Accra: +237681294590 Best dishes Accra: +2576668900 Elmina Castle, Cape Coast, Ghana retrieved from blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/.../tpod.html Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast, Ghana Reviews Travel Pod. Retrieved from www.travelpod.com/.../Cape_Coast_Castle-Cape Ghanaian Music & Dance. Retrieved from www.therhythmisghanagetyou.com/  Reference List Austen, R 2001, The slave trade as history and memory: confrontations of slaving voyage documents and communal traditions, The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 58, no. 1. Available at: http://www.historycooperative.Org/journals/wm/58.l/austen.html [Accessed 24 May 2012] Brokensha, P & Guldberg, H 1992, Cultural tourism in Australia: a report on cultural tourism, Australian Government Printing Service, Canberra Cape Coast Castle, Cape Coast, Ghana Reviews Travel Pod. Available at: www.travelpod.com/.../Cape_Coast_Castle-Cape [Accessed 24 May 2012] DeCorse, C 2001. An Archaeology of Elmina: Africans and Europeans on the Gold Coast 1400-1900, Smithsonian, Washington Elmina Castle, Cape Coast, Ghana Available at: blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/.../tpod.html [Accessed 24 May 2012] Finley, C 2001, The Door of (No) Return, Common-place, vol. 1, no. 4. Available at: http://common-place.dreamhost.eom//vol-02/no-01/finley/index.shtml [Accessed 24 May 2012] Ghana Tourism Board 2005, About Ghana: Facts and History Available at: http://www.ghanatourism.gov.gh/regions/region_detail.asp?sec=HISTORY&ln=0 [Accessed 24 May 2012] Ghanaian Music & Dance. Available at: www.therhythmisghanagetyou.com/[Accessed 24 May 2012] Ghana Tourist Board, Available at: http://www.ghanatourism.gov.gh [Accessed 24 May 2012]  Girshick, P 2004, Ncome Museums/Monument: From Reconciliation to Resistance, Museum Anthropology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp.25-36. Graburn, N 1983, The Anthropology of Tourism Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 9-33. Hasty, J 2002, Rites of Passage, Routes of Redemption: Emancipation Tourism and the Wealth of Culture, Africa Today, vol. 49, no. 3, pp 47-76. Lasansky, D & McLaren, B 2004. Architecture and Tourism: Perception, Performance and Place, Berg, New York. MacCannell, D 1976, The tourist: a new theory of the leisure class, Schocken Books Publishers, New York MacGonagle, E 2006, From dungeons to dance parties: contested histories of Ghana’s slave forts, Journal of contemporary African studies, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 249-260 Nora, P 1989, Between Memory and History: Les Lieux de Memoire", Representations, 260. Journals of Contemporary African Studies, vol. 26, pp7-24. Political Map of Ghana. Available at: www.nationsonline.org/.../map/ghana_map.htm [Accessed 24 May 2012] Reed, A 2004, Sankofa Site: Cape Coast Castle and Its Museum as Markers of Memory, Museum Anthropology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 13-23 Teye, V 1988 Coups d’état and African Tourism: A Study of Ghana, Annuals of Tourism Research, vol. 15, pp. 329-356. Weaver, D & Lawton, L 2002, Tourism management, Penguin Books, Ringwood, Queensland Victoria Read More