Abstract:
Coastal tourism can foster economic growth, environmental preservation, and
community development in Gomoa Nyanyano, a picturesque coastal region in Ghana.
This study examined the effects of waste disposal practices on coastal tourism in
Gomoa Nyanyano. An exploratory research design was used for the study. A total of
28 participants, including 15 coastal community members and key stakeholders such
as Assemblymen, hotel administrators, and officials from the Ghana Tourism
Authority and the District Sanitation Officer, were interviewed for the study. Besides
the interviews, documentary analysis and observations were undertaken to enhance
the study's insights and depth. A combination of purposive and accidental sampling
was employed to select participants. Purposive sampling was used to identify key
stakeholders such as Assemblymen, hotel administrators, officials from the Ghana
Tourism Authority, and the District Sanitation Officer, whose insights were crucial to
understanding the impact of waste disposal on coastal tourism. Accidental sampling
allowed for the inclusion of community members who were readily available during
data collection, ensuring that local perspectives were captured. Data was analysed
using themes derived from the responses of the participants. The study found that
Nyanyano is experiencing worsening solid waste management challenges, including
inadequate waste disposal infrastructure, ineffective waste collection systems, and
limited financial, logistical, and human resources within the District Assembly to
effectively manage waste. Improper waste disposal in the studied coastal communities
is primarily due to a lack of attitudinal change among residents and insufficient
government commitment. This is supported by interviews with community members
and stakeholders, as well as observational data and documentary analysis. The study
recommends that integrated and sustainable efforts be adopted through the
collaboration of the Local Government Ministry, District Assembly, private sector,
and the active participation of community members in solid waste management and
coastal tourism development.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Social Studies
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Social Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
