Professor Ishmael Mensah, an esteemed scholar in Tourism and Hospitality Management, has advocated for the establishment of a Beach Authority in Ghana. The proposed authority would be responsible for safeguarding and sustainably managing the country’s beaches and coasts. Professor Mensah emphasized that this move is essential to protect the environment, maintain the quality of beaches, and combat haphazard structural development, sand mining, and other detrimental activities that impact coastal tourism.
During his professorial inaugural lecture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Mensah stressed the need for specific legislation with punitive measures to deter individuals from destroying the coastal environment and making it unattractive for tourism. He pointed out that existing general laws on environmental management are insufficient, and he urged the creation of a dedicated law tailored to address contemporary challenges.
The renowned professor highlighted the growing importance of coastal tourism globally, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry. To capitalize on this trend, Professor Mensah asserted that Ghana must diversify its tourism attraction base beyond castles and national parks. He emphasized the critical role that attractive and well-maintained beaches play in the industry, underlining the importance of water quality, sanitation, and awe-inspiring experiences for tourists.
However, he expressed concerns about the current state of Ghana’s beaches, with many being polluted and degraded due to sand mining, open defecation, and unauthorized beach facilities lacking essential amenities. Moreover, the country is losing a significant portion of its coastal stretch annually due to erosion caused by destructive activities.
To address these issues, Professor Mensah called for the establishment of a dedicated Beach Authority, similar to the Forestry Commission that protects forests. This authority would take proactive measures to prevent sand mining, rubbish dumping, and defecation on the beaches, ensuring a more pleasant and inviting environment for tourists. Additionally, he proposed engineering measures to combat further erosion, such as selective use of sea defence walls and importing sand from other regions to enhance recreational areas.
Recognizing that the local communities often contribute to the degradation of coastal areas, Professor Mensah stressed the importance of education and community involvement in protecting the beaches. By engaging the local population and instilling a sense of ownership, they can become valuable allies in preserving Ghana’s coastal tourism treasures.
As Ghana aims to bolster its tourism sector and attract more visitors, the establishment of a Beach Authority, coupled with responsible environmental practices and community engagement, can play a vital role in ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s coastal tourism industry.
