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The need for advanced technologies in tourism has created attention in the travel industry space. However, empirical study that draws a shred of concrete evidence is lacking. Based on this, the study has explored the rate of technology interventions in the travel business in West Africa, drawing hypercritical evidence from Ghana. The study analyzed data with 133 respondents on the field survey conducted. From the findings, it was revealed that there was technology integration in the activities of tour operations in Ghana, although it was not as advanced as in other parts of the world. Despite the low use of modern technology, the findings show that easy advertisement, a high patronage level, and an increase in economic gains were some of the effects. Nonetheless, the study suggests that tour operators in Ghana and the West African region should employ more advanced technologies such as mobile applications, artificial intelligence, electronic commerce systems, search engine advertising, electronic marketspaces, BigData, and online travel-support software such as Lemax, TravelPerk, and Travelwork in order to meet international standardisation and status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding risk as a major challenge in the tourism industry has received limited literature. This has necessitated the need to look into details the increasing risks in tourist destinations in West Africa using Lake Bosomtwe, Abono as a case study. The study aimed at identifying common risks and their management systems with a focus on supporting local tourism growth. An exploratory research design was utilized to discover how health and security risks are reversing sustainable tourism development in Abono. Charts, correlation, and descriptive analysis have been employed to present 378 responses gathered. Findings conclude that poor sanitation, unsafe areas, drowning, insecurity, theft, and motor accidents were some of the common risks that are faced by tourists at the lake. The study recommends a collaborative initiative between stakeholders to provide robust health and safety structures like health centers, lifeguards, and security patrols to reduce risks at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The burden of breast cancer continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where women present with more advanced disease and have worse outcomes compared with women from high-income countries. In the absence of breast cancer screening in LMICs, patients must rely on self-detection for early breast cancer detection, followed by a prompt clinical diagnostic work-up. Little is known about the influence of religious beliefs on women's perceptions and practices of breast health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to female members of Islamic and Christian organizations in Ghana. Participants were asked about their personal experience with breast concerns, knowledge of breast cancer, performance of breast self-examination, and experience with clinical breast exam. Results: The survey was administered to 432 Muslim and 339 Christian women. Fewer Muslim women knew someone with breast cancer (31% v 66%; P <.001) or had previously identified a concerning mass in their breast (16% v 65%; P <.001). Both groups believed that new breast masses should be evaluated at clinic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.58 to 2.01), but Muslim women were less likely to know that breast cancer can be effectively treated (AOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.50). Muslim women were less likely to have performed breast self-examination (AOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.88) or to have undergone clinical breast exam (AOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.84). Conclusion: Muslim women were found to be less likely to participate in breast health activities compared with Christian women, which highlights the need to consider how religious customs within subpopulations might impact a woman's engagement in breast health activities. As breast awareness initiatives are scaled up in Ghana and other LMICs, it is essential to consider the unique perception and participation deficits of specific groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]