The increasing interest in unique and authentic travel experiences has contributed to the growth of culinary tourism within the tourism industry. The study uses the cultural exchange theory to explain the important role of culinary experiences and development of culinary tourism. This study seeks to explore how local cuisines could be promoted as part of the tourism offerings of Cape Coast to boost tourism and local economic development. Specifically, the study explores the significance of food tourism to Cape Coast and investigates the role of local food establishments in enhancing the tourism appeal. To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research approach/design was adopted. The exploratory study design and purposive sampling technique were adopted for the study. Thirty-one respondents comprising tourists, traditional catering homes and restaurant operators were interviewed using the interview guide. The study found that food establishments, including restaurants, food vendors, and food markets, play a crucial role in enhancing the tourism appeal of Cape Coast. In that, local food serves as a gateway to the local culture and some food enthusiasts visit Cape Coast because of the nice local cuisines served at local food establishments. It is recommended that the Ghana Tourism Authority and tour operators in Cape Coast should make conscious efforts to promote the different and unique Cape Coast cuisines as part of the tourism products to attract tourists who are interested in food offerings.

Illegal gold mining (galamsey) continues to be a threat to forest and water resources in Ghana. Even though galamsey is not new in Ghana, the use of heavy machines such as excavators and bulldozers, and chanfans are a recent phenomenon causing destruction to forests, farmlands and river bodies. Illegal mining undermines the government’s commitment to the attainment of the 17 sustainable development goals. Governments since 1989 have made attempts to clamp down on illegal mining using military interventions. Unfortunately, these programmes have failed to yield any results. Concerns about the destruction of the natural environment and the impacts of climate change have heightened the fear of illegal gold mining in Ghana. This paper, therefore, analyses the failure of government/military interventions aimed at fighting illegal gold mining in Ghana since 1989. To achieve the objective of the study, the qualitative research approach was used. A total of 26 individuals were interviewed. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed for the study. As part of data management, collected data from fieldwork were cleaned and edited for spelling mistakes and inconsistencies before entries were made for analysis. Data analysis was carried out manually. Finally, the study found that the failure of government interventions since 1989 is as a result of a lack of proper planning of programmes aimed at dealing with illegal gold mining and poor collaboration between government and chiefs/stakeholders. The paper contributes to the discussion on illegal mining in Ghana and its impact on the environment and sustainable development. Keywords: Illegal gold mining, forests, water bodies, government interventions, sustainable development, livelihood, stakeholders, planning and collaboration.

Historically, health financing in Ghana was cash and carry from the 1980s until the year 2005 when National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) started operation. Due to the barriers surrounding the ‘‘out-of-pocket’’ (OOP) regime on healthcare, Ghana adopted health insurance as an alternative for financing healthcare. The National Health Insurance Scheme was thus introduced in 2003 as a step towards achieving universal health coverage. This was aimed at bringing hope, better health and easing the financial burden on the entire population of Ghana especially the most vulnerable and poor. The study assesses the impact of education on the uptake of the National Health Insurance Policy among the staff of Cape Coast Technical University and its policy implication in achieving universal coverage. A descriptive research design and quantitative research approaches were adopted in this study. A survey of 200 staff of Cape Coast Technical University was conducted using a proportionate stratified sample technique to ensure a smooth representation of individuals. Questionnaires were used to collect data for this study. The results of the ordinary least square regression proved that level of education statistically influenced the uptake of health insurance. The study recommends that policymakers should continue to invest in the education of Ghanaians. Keywords: Heath, National Health Insurance, Uptake of Insurance, Education, and Cape Coast Technical University.

This study investigates how beach development in Cape Coast, Ghana, shapes both local economic outcomes and coastal environmental conditions. Anchored in sustainable tourism development theory, the study evaluates the extent to which tourism-driven coastal transformations balance economic growth, environmental protection, and community benefits. A qualitative exploratory design was used, with purposive sampling applied to select thirty-two respondents, including managers, employees, and city officials. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews complemented by field observations. The findings indicate that beach development has generated meaningful economic benefits, particularly through employment creation and increased demand for local goods and services. Environmentally, several operators have adopted sustainable practices such as replanting coconut trees, introducing energy-efficient lighting, reducing single-use plastics, and integrating natural ventilation into facility design. These efforts have contributed to cleaner beach environments and improved visitor experiences. Nonetheless, substantial challenges remain. Financial limitations undermine consistent infrastructure upgrades and environmental management, while inadequate sanitation and waste collection systems contribute to persistent littering along the coastline. Weak regulatory enforcement by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly further allows irregular development and poor waste disposal to persist. The study concludes that, although beach development is contributing positively to both economic and environmental conditions, its long-term sustainability depends on strengthened financial investment, improved waste management systems, and more consistent enforcement of coastal regulations. The insights generated may inform broader efforts to promote environmentally responsible coastal tourism in similar African settings.

This study examined revenue management practices, their effectiveness in optimizing revenue streams, the impact of emerging technologies, and the challenges faced by hotels in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Through qualitative interviews with ten hotel managers, key insights were uncovered regarding dynamic pricing, inventory control, market segmentation, and targeted promotions. For instance, hotels adjust room rates based on real-time demand, increasing prices during peak seasons and offering discounts in low-demand periods. Targeted promotions, such as corporate travel packages and repeat guest discounts, were also common strategies to enhance customer retention. Despite these strategies, challenges persist, including fluctuating market demand, ensuring rate parity across distribution channels, and internal limitations such as inadequate staff training and resource constraints. Managers reported difficulties in maintaining consistent pricing across online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct booking platforms, which sometimes led to booking leakages and customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, balancing revenue optimization with guest satisfaction remained a key concern. The integration of emerging technologies, such as AI-driven pricing models, predictive analytics, and automated revenue management systems, has provided hotels with a competitive edge. Some hotels have adopted AI-powered forecasting tools to predict demand, enabling optimal pricing decisions, while others utilize automated revenue management software to dynamically adjust inventory distribution. The study recommends that hotels invest in sophisticated revenue management software and advanced analytics tools to improve forecasting accuracy. Continuous staff training in data interpretation, market research, and AI applications should also be prioritized to enhance decision-making and optimize revenue management strategies.