Identification and Analyses of Elements for Souvenir Making for Mausoleums: Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (KNM) as a Case Study

Abstract

A study in Ghana suggested that some tourist centers do not have souvenirs that reflects the sites they are sold. Due to this, patronages of various souvenirs at respective sites are not encouraging. Due to the lack of relevant souvenirs, the transfer of knowledge of various tourist site by tourists becomes a challenge. In this regard, this case study was conducted into how elements in a Mausoleum can be identified for relevant souvenir production. In this respect, the paper seeks to display how elements can be identified in a Tourist Site and manipulated to make memorable but relevant souvenirs. The study employed the qualitative research methods under which the Case Study and Descriptive research designs were integrated. These were to make in-depth analyses on selected elements that were identified in the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (KNM). Other research designs such as content analysis and survey were also employed to assess pertinent information on the elements in the KNM. The populations for the research were Tourists, Elements in the KNM, Souvenir Producers, Historians, staff and Tour Guides in the KNM. In effect, ten (10) elements were identified from which souvenirs could be generated. These elements were subjected to the opinion of stake holder, especially the tourist. The key findings were that, elements that had interesting history and were more attractive to tourists were highly chosen so as to aid its effective sale when use in production. The identified elements also serve as a guide for souvenir producers who look up to such when making souvenirs for a site. This approach is recommended for the production of Souvenirs that has bearing with specific tourist sites to rejuvenate the industry.