HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED ISSUES AT LAKE BOSOMETWE, GHANA

Abstract

Health and safety matters in attraction sites are some of the crucial aspects of tourism keeping the industry alive. Considering this, the study has explored the health and safety concerns at Lake Bosometwe in Ghana, and ways to deal with them due to the shortage of evidence-based empirical studies in the field. The study made use of exploratory research design; primary data (qualitative) from 387 responses were analysed in percentages and frequencies on tables and charts. The qualitative data was analysed through open content analysis. From the results, major health and safety issues associated with the site were cholera, skin diseases and headache. They were attributed to low cleaning practices like inadequate sewage disposals. Others were robbery, theft (due to inadequate security systems) and road accidents (due to the poor road system and carelessness of some drivers). The study recommends that there should be a provision of good road and security systems, health/clinic facilities, health and security policy programmes and intensive education to all stakeholders to contribute to healthy and secured tourism at the site.