Structural Barriers, Community Disempowerment, and the Paradox of Local Support: Evidence from Ankasa Conservation Area, Ghana

Community-based tourism (CBT) is promoted as a sustainable development strategy, yet implementation often fails to empower local communities. This study examines how structural barriers (Bar) shape community disempowerment (Dsemp) and local support (Lcst) for tourism development in the Ankasa Conservation Area (ACA), Ghana. A cross-sectional survey of 205 residents from three adjacent communities was conducted using validated scales measuring structural barriers, disempowerment, and reduced local support. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity, and the structural model achieved excellent fit (χ² (42) = 46.315, p = 0.299; RMSEA = 0.022; CFI = 0.995; TLI = 0.993). Structural barriers significantly predicted community disempowerment (β = 0.192, p = 0.015). However, disempowerment did not significantly reduce local support for tourism (β = 0.058, p = 0.480). Despite limited benefits, residents maintained support for tourism. Findings challenge linear assumptions in Social Exchange Theory (SET), suggesting resilience and future expectations underpinning support despite disempowerment. Addressing governance deficiencies, elite capture, and economic barriers is critical for fostering community empowerment and sustainable tourism development.