Tourists’ Perception Of The Role Of Safety In Tourism At A Selected Tourist Destination In Central Region Of Ghana

This paper discusses some direct and indirect impacts of safety issues at Cape Coast-Elmina-Kakum National Park (KNP) tourism destination in Ghana. Some 260 tourists were randomly selected by covenience sampling. Most of the tourists who visited this destination area were the youthful, active or energetic population and probably travelled a lot for pleasure. Majority were Americans and Europeans. It was observed that tourists’ perceptions of security at the destination area was dependent on the tour guides, friendly environment at the destination area and the security provided at the destination area. Tourists were safer when they were inside the castles and the national park because in these facilities the tourists were shielded from the ever present hustlers and beggars who asked them for money. Tourists disclosed that more security personnel should be provided to ensure their safety in addition to installation of CCTV cameras in all the facilities visited. They suggested that security personnel in both mufti and uniform around the tourism facilities should be provided to ensure safety and security. It was recommended that the various tourism related bodies in the region like Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Ghana Fire Service should be coordinated and conscripted into the sensitization and provision of safety and security at tourist facilities.