Estimating the Recreational Value of Ecotourism in The Kakum National Park, Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT This thesis estimates a value of Kakum National Park’s recreation. Economic analysis employed by this thesis can contribute to effective management of these conservation area (Kakum National Park) and is critical to influencing resource policy decisions. There is report on the degradation and destruction of some ecotourism site in Ghana. The study use Contingent Valuation method to estimate the value of this park. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation, dominance analysis and logistic regression analysis. These respondents (Visitors) were systematically selected for the study. Results of the study shows that age (P < 0.001), gender (P< 0.001), income (P< 0.05), marital status (P< 0.05), educational level and locational (P< 0.05) are key socioeconomic variables significantly influence visitor’s willingness to pay for the entrance fees. Moreover, improvement in social amenities such as walking tracks (P < 0.05), lavatory (P < 0.001), information signs (P<0.01), accommodation (P < 0.001) and condition of the road (P < 0.00) will increase the recreational value of the park. The Kakum Park recreational value was estimated as GHS 221,050.60 (approximately US$ 38,046.57) and the Consumer Surplus as GHS 6865.00 (US$ 1181.58). The study recommends that there should be more advertisement of the park to attract more visitors, provide more facilities of the park and provide public education to the public on the importance of recreation and improve social amenities which include road network, packing space, lavatory and others. The study recommends that Park entrance fee of GH 2.00 be maintained, which should be utilized for park management