RESIDENTS`PERCEPTION OF TOURISM IMPACT IN ANKASA CONSERVATION AREA

ABSTRACT Tourism which has been described by some tourism scholars as multifaceted industry, generating huge revenue for various governments may impact positively or negatively on socio-cultural, economic and environmental segments of local tourism communities or destinations. The study assessed local residents` perception of tourism impact on socio-cultural and economic activities and the environment in communities surrounding Ankasa Conservation Area. Though, there are many factors which influence residents’ perception of tourism, ten factors were examined. The Social Exchange Theory which is a behavioural theory was employed to guide the research. Since, the research is purely quantitative, a total of 267 respondents were sampled from Ghana-Nungua and Old Ankasa for interview. Questionnaires were administered using face-to-face interview strategy to gather the needed information. Analysis of the data obtained identified that though, tourism had some positive impacts on the environment its contribution to socio-cultural and economic benefits was very insignificant in the local communities. As a result, it is recommended that the District Assembly, Ghana Tourism Authority, the Forestry Commission, Civil Society groups as well as residents meet periodically to discuss and share opinions on how best to strategize to ensure sustained growth of the industry in the local communities so that its positive impacts are felt in the lives of the people