Accessibility of tourist sites to persons with disability: the case of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles in Ghana

Authors

  • Lorreta Offei Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Enoch Acheampong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi
  • Emmanuel Appiah-Brempong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Paul Okyere Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Isaac Owusu Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v7i2.112

Keywords:

accessibility, disabled people, tourist sites, Ghana

Abstract

The term accessibility is used in the context of providing equal opportunity to enter into an environment. Much is not known about the accessibility of tourist sites such as castles and forts to people with disabilities. This study sought to examine the accessibility of the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles to people with disabilities through a qualitative approach which involved in-depth interviews and photovoice to collect data. The study revealed that the castles are inaccessible. Though ramps, spacious pathways and handrails in washrooms existed, there was however, no mutual relation between the design of the castles and the concept of accessibility as defined by the Disability Act. The creation of awareness on the rights of the disabled to participate in the tour of castles can perhaps draw the attention of local government authorities and other relevant stakeholders to effect the necessary changes.

Author Biographies

Lorreta Offei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation StudiesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi

Enoch Acheampong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi

Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation StudiesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi

Emmanuel Appiah-Brempong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Department of Health Promotion and EducationKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Paul Okyere, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Department of Health Promotion and EducationKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Isaac Owusu, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation StudiesKwam Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Published

2017-11-30

How to Cite

Offei, L., Acheampong, E., Appiah-Brempong, E., Okyere, P., & Owusu, I. (2017). Accessibility of tourist sites to persons with disability: the case of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles in Ghana. Journal of Accessibility and Design for All, 7(2), 127–158. https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v7i2.112

Issue

Section

Architecture and Construction