Vol. 4, Issue 11, Part C (2018)

Abstract
Eco-tourism by its nature according to The International Ecotourism Society (2001) is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of the local people. The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which local people of Wli Traditional area participate and benefits in ecotourism in Ghana. The study was conducted in the Wli community as they play host to the Agumatsa Waterfall and its side attractions to determine the extent of their involvement. Wli Traditional area is located in the Hohoe Municipality of Volta region. The participation of local people is needed at all stages of ecotourism planning, implementation and evaluation. It was revealed from the study that to promote effective participation and benefits, efforts should be made to enhance local people’s appreciation and awareness of the potential ecotourism values of their natural surroundings. The study also established clear-cut evidence that, the people of the area have a fair knowledge of the resource (the Agumatsa Waterfall) and its related economic activities, but not well involved due to several barriers to effective participation. In the view of most of the interviewees, majority of the local residents are not actively involved the eco-tourism business, hence there not sufficient benefits to the people of Wli traditional area.