Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
BY
ZEMEME AKOTO
1
SEMPTEMBER 2006
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
BY
2
SEPTEMBER 2006
DECLARATION
We hereby declare that except for references to other people’s work, which have
been duly cited, this project work is the result of our own original research and no
part of it has been presented for another Higher National Diploma in any
institution.
DATE: ……………………………………..
3
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certify that he has read and recommend to the Tourism
(SUPERVISOR)
4
DEDICATION
We dedicate this project work to the Almighty God and the late Mr. Andrews
5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All thanks and praises to the Almighty God for sustaining us throughout all these
years. It is by His Grace and Mercy that this project work has come into
existence.
We wish to express our profound gratitude to all those who have contributed in
one way or the other in bringing this research work into being. Space will not
permit us to list names of all of them. However, special mention should be made
of Mr. Franklin Dacosta, our project supervisor for his valuable suggestions,
comments and criticisms which extremely enriched the contents of this work.
studies Department).
Also, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who supported us spiritually and
financially namely: Mr. Felix Akoto and family, Mr. Baba Hafiz and family, Mr.
Seth Nii Akwei Allotey, Mrs. Faustina Lomo and Mr. Johathan Nartey and family.
Our gratitude also goes to all the staff of EDSAM Computers, especially Jennis
6
Finally, profound thanks go to all those who contributed in one way or the other
towards our education and also to the Tourism class of 2006, it has been a
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGE
Declaration …………………………………………………………………..ii
Certification ………………………………………………………………….iii
Dedication …………………………………………………………………...iv
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………..v
8
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………16
9
4.6 Economic benefits of “Homowo” Festival …………………………………..41
10
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY ………………………………………………………………..…56
11
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. A map of Accra Metropolitan Area showing the Study Area - La.
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
1. Sex of respondents………………………………………………37
12
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Cooper et al (1993) grouped attractions into those which are natural and
vegetation, forests and wildlife. The latter are principally the products of
Bekwai Traditional Area (1998), “culture is the totality of the people’s way
Cultural heritage, on the other hand, is the creative time pile up of many
people.
13
Chieftaincy, as it is known, is a central and dynamic institution which
clearly exhibits the rich and unique cultural identity of the land of Gold
(Ghana). Customs, traditional sculpture, arts and crafts, music and dance,
craftsmen settled to work, almost extensively for royal courts, producing all
“Damba” to mention a few are all deliberate works of ritual art. Festivals
comprise many artistic forms and actions in songs, dance, poetry and
religion. It is at festivals that chiefs express their link between God and
their people; the dead and the living; harvest and the people’s welfare,
consonance with norms, cultural practices and belief system held by the
that, “the more unusual the cultural background, the more attractive the
14
ethnic group has it festival which encapsulates the ethos and peculiarities
of a particular region.
gods and ancestors for their protection and help. It is an important aspect
group or society to recount its historical past. It is within such festivals that
the art and culture of the people find their practical expression. Traditional
festivals invoke all the available artistic and cultural forms and practices
entertaining.
time of religious and other celebration”. In keeping with this definition, the
solemn and even spiritual cogitation. According to A.A. Opoku (1970), the
history behind how the “Homowo” festival came to be with the Ga people
is unknown. The Ga mythology has two explanation; one has it that, the
the South – eastern coast of present-day Ghana. This explains why the
15
Another explanation to it is derived from the Jewish Passover in the Holy
Bible. This is based on the use of unleavened cornmeal for ritual meal, the
application of red clay to the door post, and the hurried and communal
with other traditional festivals in Ghana is its relations with the traditional
“Homowo” season begins with the coming of the rain in early May, when
the seven principal priests do the ritual sowing of corn, and ends in late
September when the corn is harvested. After the sowing of the ritual corn,
making. The ban is lifted after thirty days with a special ceremony by the
Priests and the “Gbese Mantse”, the chief of Ga Mashi Traditional Area.
16
called “Soobii”. They match in groups corresponding to the seven quarters
of Ga Mashi up to a point where they break up and each group goes to its
quarter.
who have travelled return home on the preceding Monday singing the
“Kpa” songs. The entry of the Ga citizens who have return from other
towns is draped with flags and blunting, it is a sight to see. The groups vie
with one another in presenting the best turn-out and they go to the extent
the evening, the corn is soaked to get it ready for milling process the next
day.
The next day after the arrival of “Soobii” is the traditional yam festival and
lustral day of all twins, A.A. Opoku (1970). The twins and their parents and
relations clad in white and make merry in their homes with feasting,
singing and dancing. At sunset they troop out to the seashore to cast
away the leftovers of the feast with some ceremony. The final and feverish
preparations for the “Homowo” day go on at the same time with the feast
of twins. The women make sure the milled corn, the oil palm, the fish
faggots and other essentials for the great feast are ready. It is also the
time to besmear and polish the hearths and to paints the lintel of the main
gateway into the house with red clay, A.A. Opoku (1970). This reminds
17
one of the application of the blood of paschal lamb, Exodus 12:6-7 during
The following day begins with the preparation of “Kpoikpoi”, which is the
ritual food for the “Homowo” festival, by the women. It is made from the
later salted and mixed with palm oil. “Homowo kpoikpoi” is always eaten
In the afternoon of the “Homowo” day, the ritual food is sprinkled for the
spirits of the departed and not the gods of the Ga people, A.A. Opoku
sprinkling of “kpoikpoi” by the “Mantse”. Both young and the old male
members of the households mingle and gather round the ritual food and
eat from the same bowl. This fosters solidarity between the young and the
old.
The day that follows the “Homowo” day is spent in visiting relations,
18
1.1. STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
The problem statement of this research is that the “Homowo” festival of the
Gas of has lost its traditional value due to some reasons below:
i. Firstly, the fading away of the traditional value in the “Homowo” festival
the African society. This factor has caused the youth who are to take
over from the elders in performing the rites during the celebration to
ii. Secondly, the medicine, culture, technology and other areas of human
19
1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
iii. To find whether or not there are any negative impacts on the physical
iv. To examine how tourist impact socially on the lives of the local people
being promoted in Ghana and to know why the “Homowo” festival has lost
20
1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
At the end of the study, any reader should be able to answer the following
research questions:
ii. During and after the celebration of the “Homowo” festival, is there any
iv. Do the lives of the local people get better or not when tourists take part
tourism in La?
v. Definition of terms.
21
vii. Study area.
out what other scholars said concerning the study area under discussion.
data include:
i. Interviews and
ii. Questionnaires
The fifth chapter would deal with summary, conclusion, recommendation and
references.
The following terms and vocabulary relates to the Ga people and celebration
hunger.
22
iv. “Koyeligbi” – day of feasting.
vi. “Soobii”- the return to town Ga citizens who are living outside Ga
Mashi.
This work seeks to help in the study of tourism by defining the role
“Homowo” plays in the promotion of cultural tourism in La. Also, this study
would identify the effects of the festival on the lives of the people of La.
1.8.1. PROFILE OF LA
(AMA). It is bounded on the south by the Gulf of Guinea and on the North
on its eastern boundary with Teshie. The wetlands of the lagoon serve as
23
has made it suitable for the cultivation of various vegetables and crops
1.8.3 CLIMATE
relatively high temperatures throughout the year. The hottest months are
in February and March, just before the main rainy season, while the
coolest months are between June and August. La is humid and the total
1.8.4 VEGETATION
grasses and a few scattered trees. The original vegetation of dense shrub
1.8.5. UTILITIES
5.1. WATER
La is well supplied with portable drinking water from the Weija Dam. Over
90 percent of the local residents are supplied with water from this source.
Densu River.
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5.2. ELECTRICITY
from the Akosombo Dam. Electricity Company of Ghana has the sole
5.3. TELECOMMUNICATION
La is endowed with more public phone booths, in addition to the fixed lines
provided by Ghana Telecom and Westel Telecom. There are also private
1.8.6. SERVICES
6.1. BANKING
Apart from the La community Bank, there are also wide ranges of banking
6.2 TRANSPORTATION
“trotros”.
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1.8.7. EMPLOYMENT
1.8.8. MARKET
The compact nature of La has ensured that the International Trade Fair
site capture the bulk of commodity flows into the country. These flows
emanate from other countries and within the countries. Other satellite
market and small selling centres are found at Palm-wine Junction, Kojo
1.8.9. TOURISM
big hotel chains, restaurants, shrines, historical sites and other leisure
which is the La palm Royal Beach Resort. Also tourism facilities found in
26
1.8.10. HEALTH
Government for the people of La. In addition to this hospital are the
27
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0. INTRODUCTION.
potential attractions for tourist and other visitors into the country.
Culture has been defined as, “the totality of a people’s way of life”,
(Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, 1998). Probing further into this definition,
one could say, it is the people’s way of doing things and their cherished
and norms that combine to make up the way of life, art forms, literature,
28
group or country, thereby creating awareness for self realization and
Ababio II, 1998). In other words mastering of the culture values of the past
labour from the values of spiritual culture of past generations man benefits
from it today and, what is more, he may apply it efficiently for making new
as, “a recent important event which is the last in a series of latest events”.
29
traditional festival is a way of preserving cultural heritage and developing
correct mistakes and to plan the future. During festive celebrations, chiefs
and their people raise funds for development projects like community
centre, electricity, water and so forth. In addition, where the festival is well
organized it serves as tourist attraction. Tourist and other visitors also use
(1996), the tourism industry generates two hundred million jobs and an
economic activity that has become the fastest growing industry in the
implies that culture and the other factors play significant role in the tourism
30
tourism development. Culture is an essential tool for tourism development,
locations. A.K. Bhatia (2001) said, “An increasing number of people are
people would use to learn about the cultural heritage of the Ga people in
media has made it possible for people to read, see and learn about
different places. The quest and zest to probe is a factor that has
aspect of man’s quest and zest to acquire knowledge. This curiosity has
led people to reading and learning about the cultural heritage of other
31
heritage for leisure, recreation and entertainment. Valene L. smith (1995)
Cultural tourism is all aspects of travel whereby people learn about each
tourism activities that provide the platform for cultural relations and
certain ways of life that make up the culture of the local people.
could gain publicity to both existing and potential tourism market. This is
This indicates how culture of the local people enhances the experience of
tourists at a destination. Culture is a basic and vital raw material for every
32
only knowledge and idea, but also the image of the country among
The destination, with its attraction and amenities is the most important
asset and this is very basic to tourism, A.K. Bhatia (2001). Unless these
promote tourism. However, since the interests and tastes of tourists vary
widely, they might choose from a wide range of attractions available at the
are also essential for tourism at the destination, but would not exist without
to the area by attractions. For instances tourist and other visitors who join
catering and other services to enjoy their stay away from their normal
33
residence. Consequently, attractions are those elements in the tourist
another.
they are shared with the host community. There are many different types
area, permanency and type. In the proceeding sections of the study much
on cultural tourism.
2.3.1. OWNERSHIP
the type of ownership. Many attractions, both man –made and natural, fall
with the domain of the public sector, while others are owned by voluntary
practices cannot be taken away from the local people nor exchanged for
the culture of other people. Each ethnic group in Ghana has its festival
34
group. Facilities that are owned by both private and public sectors are
roads that are found in the areas where the festival is celebrated are
2.3.2. CAPACITY
The seasonal nature of attractions does not make it possible for product
divided into two namely: the peak season and the lean season. Cooper et
that an attraction gets within specific periods of the year. In most cases,
the peak season determines the capacity of an attraction while during lean
season the attraction receives low patronage. This implies that most time
of the year the attraction has to match capacity. “Homowo” festival for
35
2.3.3. CATCHMENTS AREA.
attraction. There are large varieties in the size of catchments from which
attraction attract visitors. Local catchments area draw tourist from within
few miles. Country parks are example of attraction that has local
catchments area, whilst the regional deals with attractions that attract
2.3.4. PERMANENCY
permanency means the potential for attraction to remain the same and
continue for a long time. For instance, the celebration of “Homowo” festival
36
including sprinkling of “Kpoikpoi“ have been with people since time
immemorial and cannot be taken from the nor exchanged for any other
thing.
2.3.5. TYPES
classify. Attractions were grouped into natural and man- made attractions.
vegetation and wildlife, while the man-made attractions are all products of
history and culture. In respect to natural attraction they are generally fixed
in supply and are able to provide any limited amount of service at any
given time frame. It is the quality of the natural resource that often
which are intangible and ephemeral because they are events. For events,
it is what is happening at the time that takes priority rather than the
festivals and carnival takes place in societies, ethnic groups and countries,
because they provide access to a large market and have the economic
37
base to support them. “Homowo” is an example of attraction that is
TOURISM AT LA
out in order to influence those public on whom the sales depend “(1993:
discussed.
38
2.4.1. ADVERTISING
media about a product or service that has an identified sponsor. The sales
the buying behaviour of purchasers. The paid medium may include travel
achieving sales.
and service”. From the definitions given about advertising, one could say,
goods and services which are subject of advertising. Also, both definitions
dealt with goods and services which are marketable. Issues mentioned
since it takes place within a specific period within the year. This would go
La.
39
2.4.2. SALES PROMOTION
example, free palm wine or free “kpoikpoi” offer can be used by a hotel
travel agents with an attempt to sell their tour packages, cocktail, posters
and souvenirs.
telephone contact between the sales representative and those people with
whom the seller wants to communicate. This sort of selling may be used
40
celebration of “Homowo” at La and the package that awaits them when
personal selling has a high potential for achieving objectives, but only a
opinions and achieves coverage is a mass medium, and which is not paid
for by source. The coverage could include a space given for a press
image of goods and services to create more favourable climate for its
information and facts to both existing and potential customer about the
space given for press release in the Daily Graphic or Ghanaian Times
positive image of the “Homowo” festival in the minds of people who are in
41
position to influence public opinions (includes journalists, editors and
of “Homowo” as part cultural tourism may be divided into two parts; firstly,
according to Cooper et al (1993) does not fit comfortably into the other
financial support for a specific activity, which does not form part of the
operators such as Expert travel. The main method is by direct mail, which
42
printed communication such as brochures and leaflets. The design,
43
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter would basically deal with the research methods employed for
the study. The target population, sampling methods used for data collection
and tools, used in the data analysis would be described in the chapter.
designed to obtain information from both the literate and illiterate groups of
the selected area. When the questionnaires were designed, much attention
and care was taken to make sure that difficult questions were avoided with
public. Also the questions were developed in two forms: open-ended and
close ended questions. The respondents are expected to tick [√] appropriate
answers to the close ended questions, while space would be provided for the
open-ended questions.
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3.2 POPULATION AND SAMPLE SIZE
Actually, the topic and research objectives are focused on both local
residents and tourists who take part in the celebration of the “Homowo”
time constraints and other resources a sample of sixty (60) was to represent
A. QUESTIONNAIRE
that researchers would be in the position to explain what has been stated
in the questionnaire and also what is expected from the respondents. This
45
B. INTERVIEWS
i. The lack of funds to conduct the research. This was a major problem
the notion that they might expose certain information that were not
46
enough time since it has to take then some time to finish answering the
questionnaires.
iii. Thirdly, the conduct of the interview was another problem encountered
during the research. Some people who fell within the sample selected
made the interview a difficult one, because the time scheduled for the
people interviewed during the research did not allow their voices to be
because listening, writing and asking questions at the same time made
v. Finally, it wasted a whole lot if time for our studies in school. These
47
CHAPTER FOUR
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals basically with the presentation and analysis of data, which
involves the tools used for data analysis. The analysis covered sex of
Tables, which covered frequencies and percentages, were used in the study
to analyze the data that were gathered on both illiterate and literate groups in
La. The tables presented were prepared after the answered questionnaires
have been carefully edited and tallied. Descriptive analyses were also used in
48
TABLE 1: SEX OF RESPONDENTS
Male 18 60
Female 12 40
Total 30 100
Table two (2) indicates that majority of the respondents were within the
represented the least sample selected. The table below implies that
majority of the respondents were within the ages of 18-25. This is shown
in table 2 below.
49
AGE GROUP FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE (%)
18-25 10 33
26-30 5 17
31-35 3 10
36-45 6 20
46-55 4 13
56+ 2 7
Total 30 100
have had tertiary education, while one (1) respondent had formal
shows that the selected sample had more people with high educational
50
Informal education 1 3
Basic education 5 17
Sec/ tech. education 6 20
Post-sec. education 3 10
Tertiary education 15 50
Total 30 100
Source: field survey, September 2006
The self employed formed 30 percent of the selected sample, whilst one
51
Source: field survey, September 2006.
The table below shows that majority of the respondents are married and
were the least in the selected sample and this represents 2 respondents
or 7 percent.
RESPONDENTS
RESPONDENTS
52
RESPONDS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 20 67
No 10 33
Total 30 100
Source: field survey, September 2006.
the view that the sale of traditional arts and crafts generates a lot of
festival in La, while the sale of drugs (pharmacy) generated the least
53
from tourists during the celebration of “Homowo” festival. This is shown
below.
percent are of the view that during the celebration “Homowo” festival, the
level of cultural infiltration such as drinking and smoking by the youth are
on the rise. They youth are the victims of such bad habits or attitudes
54
possibly tourists’ influx during the celebration of “Homowo” festival. Also,
55
From the sample selected, 11 respondents representing 37 percent
56
Source: field survey, September 2006
Table fourteen (14) shows that the majority of the respondents were within
Majority of the respondents were domestic tourists form Ghana and they
selected. The least respondents were from Togo, South Africa, Cuba,
57
TABLE 15: NATIONALITY OF RESPONDENTS
selected sample were self employed. While one (1) respondent each or 3
58
Unemployed - -
Others 8 27
Total 3 100
Source: field survey, September 2006.
This vividly shows that majority of the respondents had attained high
59
selected sample indicated that the Ghanaian hospitality is very good. This
is shown below.
HOSPITALITY
Bad - -
Very bad - -
Total 30 100
Source: field survey, September 2006.
percent of the selected sample responded that the local people are
60
Good 10 33
Total 30 100
Source: field survey, September 2006
admired the local culture, while three (3) respondents or 10 percent of the
is shown below.
the sample selected received the information through the radio. This is
shown below.
61
TABLE 22: HOW RESPONDENTS OBTAINED INFORMATION ABOUT THE
4.22. CONCLUSION
percentages which are higher are the very heart beats of the respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
62
5.0 INTRODUCTION
5.1 SUMMARY
Chapter one (1) comprised of the background of the study, the statement
The chapter two(2) was made up of the literature review to find out what
Chapter three (3) covered the methodology used in the sampling and
The chapter four (4) dealt with the presentation and analysis of the data.
63
Finally, for the crucial role of the “Homowo” festival in the promotion of
cultural tourism in La, there is the need for strategic planning and effective
5.2 CONCLUSION
festival planning committee with all the necessary expertise, logistics and
5.3. RECOMMENDATIONS
iii. Also, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, The centre for
64
“Homowo” festival planning committee should make efforts at
“Homowo” festival in La
Gas in La.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
65
Bhatia, A.K, International Tourism Management (Revised Edition), New Delhi:
Sterling Publishers Limited, (2001).
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
66
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
STUDY AREA: LA
This questionnaire is aimed at finding out the economic benefits derived from the
Your responses will be kept as confidential as possible and be used mainly for
MODULE A
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
1. Age Group
a. 18-25 [ ]
b. 26-30 [ ]
c. 31-35 [ ]
d. 36-45 [ ]
e. 46-55 [ ]
f. 56 + [ ]
c. Divorced [ ] d. Widowed [ ]
67
4. Educational Background
a. Informal education [ ]
b. Basic education [ ]
d. Post-sec education [ ]
e. Tertiary education [ ]
5. Occupation
a. Farming/ Fishing [ ]
b. Student [ ]
c. Self employed [ ]
MODULE B
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
6. Do you get money from tourists during the “Homowo” festival celebration?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
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7. What job do you do to get money from tourists during the celebration?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
8a. Have you ever received any help from any tourist? If yes, in which way?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
b. if no, why..............................................................................................................
Yes [ ] No [ ]
10. Are you gainfully employed when tourists come to participate in the
Yes [ ] No [ ]
MODULE C
SOCIAL IMPACT
11. Do tourists give you problems when they take part in the celebration of the
“Homowo” festival?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
69
12. Mention some of the problem (s) they give you
i. …………………………………………..………………………………………………..
ii…………………………………………….……………………………………………….
MODULE D
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT
13. Do tourists pollute the environment when they come for the celebration
“Homowo” festival?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
…...
……………………………………………..……………………………………………….
Yes [ ] No [ ]
70
i……………………………………………………………………………………………..
ii…………………………………………………………………………………………….
iii…………………………………………………………………………………………….
17. Do you think the problem(s) of pollution of the environment by tourists’ influx
can be solved?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
i. …………………………………………………………………………………….
ii. …………………………………………………………………………………
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
71
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TOURISTS
STUDY AREA: LA
This questionnaire is aimed at finding out how local people behave towards
Your responses will be kept as confidential as possible and used mainly for the
MODULE A
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
1. Age Group
a. 18-25 [ ]
b. 26-30 [ ]
c. 31-35 [ ]
d. 36-45 [ ]
e. 45-55 [ ]
f. 56+ [ ]
3. Nationality: …………………………………………………………………...………
72
4. Marital status: (a) Single [ ] (b) Married [ ]
5. Educational background
a. Informal education [ ]
b. Basic education [ ]
d. Post-sec education [ ]
e. Tertiary education [ ]
6. Occupation
a. Farming / Fishing [ ]
b. Student [ ]
c. Self employed [ ]
e. Unemployed [ ]
MODULE B
LOCAL RESENTMENT
Yes [ ] No [ ]
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8. How are you treated as a foreigner in the midst of the local people?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
a. Good [ ] b. Bad [ ]
e. Normal
10. Do you think the local people feel happy when they have you in their midst?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Yes [ ] No [ ]
i. …………………………………………………………………………………………..
ii. …………………………………………………………………………………………..
13. Is this your first time of coming for the celebration of “Homowo” festival?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
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14. Would you like to take part again in the celebration of the “Homowo” festival
again?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
i. ……………………………………………………………………………………………
ii. …………………………………………………………………………………………..
i. …………………………………………………………………………………………
ii. .………………………………………………………………………………………..
17. How did you get to know about the “Homowo” festival?
a. word-of-month
b. Indent
c. Television
d. radio
e. Newspaper
f. Other (specify)…………………………………………………………………….
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