The place and voice of local people, culture, and traditions: A catalyst for ecotourism development in rural communities in Ghana

Culture and traditions have been at the center of affairs of rural communities, especially in the conservation of natural sites earmarked as sacred. As cultural heritage sites, these places have been the seat for the conservation of nature, culture and, traditions of local regions. However, due to modernization, the place and voice of culture and traditions that drive interest in visitations to these sites are low, poorly affecting their ecotourism potentials. Therefore, a case study of the Tanoboase Sacred Natural Site in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana was carried out to assess how a spotlight on culture and traditions as well as local community participation could be used as catalysts in boosting ecotourism development. Non-participant observation, personal interview, and focus group discussions guided the collection of data from 51 participants consisting of traditional authorities, traditional priests, elderly respondents, youth and park officers. The findings from the study indicate that whenever the culture and traditions of rural people that ensure the conservation of natural sites are not properly considered and local people are not actively involved in the ecotourism planning and development, the ecotourism interest wanes, affecting the income generated from the ecotourism sites. The study recommends that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and conservation agencies must ensure that local people, their culture and traditions are properly factored into the planning and development of ecotourism sites in Ghana. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of African Institute of Mathematical Sciences / Next Einstein Initiative.