Determinants of Local Economic Development Resilience through Culture and Tourism in Rural Ghana

The pursuit of Local Economic Development (LED) resilience through culture and tourism in rural Ghana offers significant potential for driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and preserving the environment. Despite the rich cultural and natural resources available, rural communities often fail to capitalize on these benefits due to insufficient politico-economic support. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate these challenges in the Kwahu East District and West Gonja Municipality focusing on Kotoso and Laribanga. Quantitative data were collected from 200 respondents using structured questionnaires to assess Social Capital, Cultural Capital, Environmental Capital, and LED Resilience, while semi-structured interviews provided deeper qualitative insights. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to identify key determinants. Findings reveal that Social, Cultural, and Environmental Capital significantly influence LED resilience, with Social Capital (β = 0.45), Cultural Capital (β = 0.38), and Environmental Capital (β = 0.40) all showing strong positive effects (p < 0.01). The model fit indices (Chi-square/df = 2.7, CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.07) confirm a strong model fit. The study advocates for policy interventions emphasizing cultural heritage preservation, community engagement, and sustainable environmental management. Practical recommendations include improving infrastructure, enhancing community participation, and developing innovative tourism strategies to foster sustainable and inclusive rural development in Ghana.