Ghanas Slave - Assignment Example

Ghana’s Slave Student’s Name Tutor Course Date Introduction In the past few decades, it has been evident that tourism has had a great economic effect on many African countries. Travel may appear to be similar to tourism, but the two terms have a very different meaning. Whereas tourism brings economic benefit to a country, travel does not. In Ghana, one of the West African countries has many tourist attraction sites. In Ghana, the buildings and places, which were used by the colonizers, are used today to hold parties. The places are very significant to the people and government of Ghana. The places indicate and reflect the acts of violence and brutality, which took place during the colonial times. Some of the buildings, which were used as prisons still stand firm in the coast region of Ghana. These sites have become tourist attraction sites for many people across the world. Some of the buildings, which were left by the colonizers in Ghana, have been changed to restaurants, libraries, and community centers (Wall 1996, p. 46). The major sites for tourist attraction in Ghana are Elmina and Cape Coast, which are both tourist destinations. Tourists visit different places for different reasons. The places, which attract tourists, must have the scenery to be seen by the tourists. Tourists seek to see and explore new areas and see new things. Tourists also visit places to see the historical artifacts. Although tourism has been regarded to have positive impacts in the destination countries, there have also been negative effects associated with tourism. Terrorism has been largely associated with tourism. Tourism has also been associated with erosion of culture, prostitution, and other evils. The sites, which have become tourist destinations in Ghana, were once used during slave trade (Robinson & Boniface 2002, p. 22). The buildings were used as prisons for slaves. Ghana has become a popular tourist destination in the recent past, and even the American president visited the slave trade sites in Ghana. Tourist map of Ghana Retrieved from http://www.touringghana.com/tourist_sites.asp Natural features in Ghana Ghana is a tourist destination worth discussion and therefore, this project will look at Ghana as a tourist destination in Africa. There are many factors, which attract tourists in Ghana including the slave sites. Tourists come from all over the world to Ghana to visit various places in the country. Ghana has features of the environment that attract tourists from all over the world. Ghana has a tropical form of climate, which is a main attraction of tourists. Tourists from cold countries, which experience winter, tour Ghana to experience the warm climate. This form of climate is facilitated by the rain forests in the country. International tourists visit Ghana during the summer season (UNESCO 1999, p. 55). There are many natural wonders and wildlife, which make Ghana a tourist destination country. The natural features in Ghana, which attract tourists, include mountains and lakes. Lake Volta Estuary, mount Afadjato, and some waterfalls like Tagbo and Tsatsodu attract many tourists. Ghanaian Society The indigenous people of a tourist destination must be hospitable to attract more tourists. In Ghana, the people here have helped much in the development of tourism. The people of Ghana are hospitable and friendly people. This helps to give the tourists a good time there and ensures their security. The culture of Ghanaians is a multicultural type of culture. The people of Ghana come from different ethnic groups i.e. Akan, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, Mole- Dagbani, Guan, and the Gurma (UNEP 1995, p.146). With these diverse ethnic groups, Ghanaians speak different languages depending on which tribe one comes from. However, in Ghana, the official language of communication is English, which helps bring harmony in communication amongst the tribes. However, the Akan is widely spoken in Ghana and is an informal national language, which members of other groups try to learn. The population of Ghana is made up of almost entire Africans. The use of English and the presence of other indigenous language work well with the tourists. It enhances communication between the tourists and the local people (Telfer & Wall 1996, p. 640). The tourists also learn new terms in the local languages. The Ghanaians main source of income is agricultural activities. Nearly two thirds of the populations in Ghana are farmers. The main economic activity driving the economy is agriculture with a little contribution of trade. Industrial activities in the country contribute only ten percent of the gross domestic product. The people of Ghana mainly depend on imports for the manufactured products. The people of Ghana depend mainly on agricultural produce as a source of food. The main food in Ghana is fufu, which is a combination of tubers and cassava. Ghanaians also depend on corn and rice as main foods. Religion is prevalent in Ghana, and it is divided across Christianity, Islam, and their African traditional religion. The traditional supernatural believes are different according to the ethnic group one belongs. Akan, which is the major ethnic group, believes in the Supreme Being, the earth goddess, and the ancestors. The Ghanaians use agriculture to feed themselves and for commercial purposes (Swarbrooke & Horner 1999, p.126). The foods produced by the farmers are exported while others are sold in the local markets. The people of Ghana also do food processing, which involves production of palm oil. Fishing has also developed in Ghana as an economic activity, which has acquired market both locally, and oversees. Heritage Resources in Ghana In Ghana, there are various heritage resources, which attract the tourists. These heritage resources may be either cultural heritage or the natural heritage. In Ghana, there are sites, which have been set aside as heritage sites and are used as tourist attraction sites. They are unique places, which are not common elsewhere in the world. Elmina is one of the places in Ghana, which has been set as a heritage resource in that country. This is the place where the European trade took place. The place was once a prison for slaves of trade hence the importance attached to it. Elmina is preserved as a heritage resource because it reminds the people of Ghana of the violence and brutality, which occurred before they acquired independence (Swarbrooke 1995, p. 127). This site has become a major tourist destination place in the country, which earns the country huge amounts of money. The Portuguese obtained gold from this site as well. The castles of cape coast are also a heritage resource in Ghana. These are buildings, which were used as prisons for slaves. It is claimed that it is in these buildings that women were raped and tortured. These buildings were used as offices and prisons during the colonial time. The choice of Ghana as a Tourist Destination Ghana has many aspects, which qualify it to be a tourist destination. The transport network in the country is good, and this enhances tourism. The government set most of the places, which tourists visit in Ghana, aside as tourist attraction sites. It has heritage resources, which reflect the history and the past. The buildings in the coastal region of the country serve to remind people of the suffering people went through during colonial times (Sofield 1991, p.60). The numbers of tourists that tour Ghana also show that the country is perfect tourist destination. Places like Elmina, which were market places for slaves, are not found elsewhere apart from Ghana. Rooms where slaves were traded are also there. Tourists come from all over the world to see these unique heritage resources. There are various unique natural features in Ghana (Shackley 1998, p. 155). There are a variety of wildlife in Ghana, national parks, which host them, rivers, mountains, and waterfalls. The culture of the people of Ghana is admirable. Tourists travel all the way from far away countries to come and experience the culture. This includes the type of food fufu, which a staple food in the country. The ecosystem in Ghana also acts as a tourist attraction feature in Ghana. Factors Influencing Tourism in Ghana Tourists visit a place if they get the satisfaction they want. In this case, Ghana has attracted many tourists due to various aspects, which attract people there. There are factors, which influence tourism in a region (Robinson 1999, p. 22). I. Motivation Motivation can be defined as the desire, requirement, and the underlying intentions of people travelling. Motivational factors contribute much towards tourism in any region. Many of the tourists travel and visit places for pleasure. They want to move away from their normal day-to-day activities and experience something different. Tourists in Ghana come because they want to avoid the summer season in their countries, which is characterized by high temperatures. Tourists are also motivated to visit Ghana because Ghana has unique features and culture (Prentice 1993, p. 150). The tourists are motivated to come and experience the new cultures. Tourists also visit Ghana to satisfy their curiosity about the world they do not know. They want to see the buildings, which were used, as dungeons during the colonial times. They also want to see the wildlife, waterfalls, and the big lakes. II. Push Factors The push factors are the aspects that enable people to travel. They are the factors, which allow people to demand to travel. These factors are the economic factors, availability of time, and accessibility of means of transport. Most of the tourists who visit Ghana are well endowed financially, and therefore, are able to facilitate their travel. The tourists also visit Ghana during their holidays; hence, they have time needed to travel (Richards 1999, p. 24). The transport system in the world is well connected with a variety of airlines to use. This also pushes tourists to travel and visit Ghana. III. Pull Factors Pull factors are energies that compel and draw tourists to a specific destination. These are the features, which draw them to a destination. The government of Ghana has recognized tourism in the country and therefore, this has encouraged more tourists to visit the country. The transport infrastructure in Ghana has also attracted many tourists. The presence of airports and road networks linking various tourist sites with major urban centers attracts tourists. There are hotels in Ghana, which offer accommodation to tourists. Medical facilities are also available in Ghana. The tourists are also attracted to Ghana due to the security and peace, which exists there (Pearce 1989, p. 126). The unique culture of the Ghanaians attracts tourists who want to learn new things. Activities, which Tourists engage in when in Ghana Tourists will visit a place where they know they will be involved in various activities during the time they will spend there. Tourists who visit Ghana engage in various activities. The coastline beach is best known for basking and swimming. Tourists who visit this area engage in swimming and basking on the sand beaches. Tourists in Ghana are also involved in shopping. Most of them will like to engage in shopping of the local products. When the tourists have time, they interact with the locals where they learn their culture. They learn to prepare the Ghanaian meals. The tourists who visit the mountainous regions engage in mountain climbing activities (Moscardo 1999, p. 27). They also take photos, which carry with them as a sign of memory. A tour guide directs tourists whenever they are going, and therefore, they engage in the activity of interacting with the tour guide. Effects of Tourism on the lives of people of Ghana Tourism in Ghana has various effects on the local people of Ghana. Tourism in Ghana has had direct economic impacts on the people of Ghana. The tourists spend time in Ghana and consequently spend money. The people who are paid by these tourists benefits directly from the money. Tourists also bring money in form of foreign currency to Ghana, which helps balance of payments of Ghana. Tourism has also created jobs in Ghana. Many people have been employed in the hotel and hospitality industry, which serve the tourists. The infrastructure of Ghana has improved because of tourism. Major hotels and roads have been constructed because of tourism. This benefits even the local people of Ghana. Accumulated knowledge and pattern of doing things form the culture of a society. Every society has its own culture. The culture of Ghanaians is different from that of the tourists who come from the western world. Tourists may influence the culture of the indigenous people either positively or negatively. Tourism has had the demonstration effect on the culture of the Ghanaian people. In other words, the people have copied some of the cultures brought forth by the tourists, leaving their own culture (McKercher 1998, p.67). Commodification is also common in Ghana where the ceremonies and dances performed for ritual purposes turn and become products in tourist markets. Tourism in Ghana has also had some impact on the society. The people working in the hotel and hospitality industry have been reported to having developed some minor criminal behaviors. This is because they admire the products tourists have yet they cannot afford them. Tourism in Ghana has also made most of the things, which were free now to be sold. Hospitality, which is a common thing, has now become a commodity to be sold in Ghana. Tourism in Ghana has had little or none impact on the environment. However, there have been reports of damping of litter in the parks, which are harmful to wildlife. The tourists may at times drop litter, which affects the composition of the soil. When tourists are many, they walk on the grass, and destroy it. The government of Ghana has taken great measure by enforcing laws, which protect pollution of the environment. Accommodation available in Ghana Vast means of accommodation are available in Ghana for the tourists who visit the country. There are big hotels and motels in the city Accra. Along the coast region where many tourists go, there are beach hotels, which offer accommodation for the tourists. Dances are performed in these hotels and tourists get a chance to watch and have a new experience. Means of transport for Tourists In Ghana, road and rail transport are the main forms of transport. The tourists who come from other countries use air transport if they are coming from far whereas others from near neighboring countries use road transport. Ghana has a well-linked road network, which helps the tourists to tour various places. Gastronomic experience in Ghana Tourists visiting Ghana get a rare experience to enjoy the fufu food, which is very common in Ghana. Many of the tourists visiting Ghana must visit Accra and enjoy the Ghanaian foods and drinks. Many of the tourists visit Ghana because they want to know how their food is prepared and want to learn how to prepare. Contents of a Brochure Double destine welcomes to Ghana. P.O Box 25545 Accra Ghana. Tel: 457895147/445789 Email: doubled@accra.co.ge Where your dreams of the world come true We offer the most convenient to you transport services We also offer you hotel and catering services in our modern hotels along the coastal beach. We offer accommodation services at our restaurants We take you to your destiny anytime. With our well road and air transport service Our friendly and hospitable tour guides are well conversant with all tourist sites in Ghana. They will guide you to any place to make you feel at home. We ensure that your journey back to your homes is convenient by booking flights for you. Welcome to Ghana and enjoy your stay here. Conclusion The tourism industry in Ghana has made great strides in the recent past years. The government of Ghana has now considered tourism as a money generating activity. The industry has employed tremendous of young people in the hotels and restaurants. So far, tourism in Ghana has become more beneficial than harmful. The people of Ghana have embraced the tourists well in their country hence adding more value to the industry. Touring various places in Ghana has helped discover many historical aspects in the country. Many tourists and locals have had the opportunity to visit the dungeons, which were used by the colonialists to imprison the Africans. There has been exchange of cultures between the tourists and the local people. However, as much as tourism has helped Ghana, there have been some negative impacts on the country. The culture of the people has been eroded, and they have started adopting the western culture. References List Wall, G 1999, Partnerships Involving Indigenous Peoples in the Management of Heritage Sites, CAB International, Wallingford. Robinson & Boniface, P 2002, Tourism and Cultural Conflicts, CAB International, Wallingford. UNESCO 1999, Tourism and culture: Rethinking the mix, Available at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/backup/cultural-diversity/dynamic-content-single-view/news/tourism_and_culture_rethinking_the_mix/ [Accessed 18 May 2012] UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] 1995, Environmental Codes of Conduct for Tourism, Available at: http://www.unep.org/publications/search/pub_details_s.asp?ID=1999 [Accessed 18 May 2012] Telfer, D & Wall, G 1996, Linkages between Tourism and Food Production. Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 635-653. Swarbrooke, J & Horner, S 1999, Consumer Behavior in Tourism, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. Swarbrooke, J 1995, The Development and Management of Visitor Attractions, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. Sofield 1991, Sustainable Ethnic Tourism in the South Pacific: Some Principles, Journal of Tourism Studies, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 56-70. Shackley, M 1998, Visitor Management: Case Studies from World Heritage Sites, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. Robinson, M 1999, Is Cultural Tourism on the Right Track? UNESCO Courier. Prentice, R 1993, Tourism and Heritage Attractions, Routledge, London. Richards, G 1999, Developing and marketing Crafts Tourism (EUROTEX), ATLAS. Pearce, D 1989, Tourist Development, Longman, New York. Moscardo, G 1999, Making Visitors Mindful: Principles for Creating Sustainable Visitor Experiences through Effective Communication, Sagamore. McKercher, B 1998, The Business of Nature-Based Tourism, Hospitality Press, Melbourne. Read More

 

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