A Vital Resource Ignored: An Exploration of the Ecotourism Potentials of Wuling Mushroom Rocks and Boulders in North-Western Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the ecotourism potentials of Wuling mushroom rocks and boulders (WMRBs) in north western Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach covering 24 respondents. The results show that WMRBs' potentilas are the presence of beautiful geological and geomorphological formations interlaced with interesting local uses, myths, and availability of tourism infrastructure. Apart from the opportunity to protect local biodiversity, community members are also enthusiastic about developing the site since it will offer them jobs and recognition. However, there are some challenges and threats to ecotourism development in Wuling, including bureaucratic processes associated with tourism regulators and promoters, low investor interest, free access to the site and possible reprisal if tradtional sources of livelihood are truncated by the development of ecotourism facilities. To address these challenges, the paper recommends aggressive marketing of the potentials of WMRBs and sensitization to allay the fears of community members about ecotourism development.