SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF TOURISM: A COOMUNITY-BASED APPROACH FROM NORTH WESTERN GHANA

Community-based tourism has, for over four decades, been promoted as a means of poverty reduction in developing countries. This study sought to investigate the social and economic effects of community-based tourism using the Wechiau Community-based Hippo Sanctuary located in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The research relied on both qualitative and quantitative approaches using household questionnaires as its primary data collection instrument. The study reveals the ever increasing tourists arrival, with its attendant revenue, as the major economic benefit of the sanctuary. Other benefits are the expansion of small-scale business activities and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the study observes that the over-emphasis on economic benefits tends to down-play the overall socio-economic value of the sanctuary. Although locals gain income and skills needed to pursue more opportunities through cultural exchange, both parties stand to benefit socially.