TRAVEL PHILANTHROPY IN THE LARABANGA MOGNORI TOURIST ENCLAVE IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

Travel philanthropy is a growing phenomenon within the Larabanga-Mognori enclave in northern Ghana. This article seeks to assess the impacts of such visitor largess on community needs and development. Purposive sampling techniques were employed in selecting some respondents namely tour guides (in Larabanga) and cultural dancers (in Mognori) using focus group discussions (FGD) as a tool in eliciting data. A number of household heads were reached in both communities for their responses through in-depth interview (IDI) schedules. Data sourced which were mainly qualitatively was analysed in thematic frames. The study revealed that through visitor largess, amenities like boreholes and schools had been provided both communities. Other basic needs such as clothes, shoes, stationery and backpacks for school going children were also donated by tourists in both communities whilst instances of cash donations to some individuals were also reported. Both communities benefited from a donation of school blocks from visitors. The study concludes that adherence to personal hygiene and sanitation practices implied an improvement in living standards afforded through their encounter with tourists. Community members and elders are encouraged to put documented measures in place so that visitor philanthropy can be accounted for and be firmly rooted in the communities.