Assessing the water quality and ecological sustainability of the Paga crocodile pond and the associated socio-economic implications

Tourism has become a major socio-economic activity and one of the fastest-growing sectors of Ghana. However, this rapid expansion has contributed to detrimental effects environmentally and socio-culturally. This study was conducted to assess the impacts of human activities on the water quality and the plant species in and around the Paga crocodile pond and their implications for the sustainability of tourism in the area. The pond was divided into five grids, and five samples (20 cm depth) were collected from each grid for bacteriological and physicochemical analyses. The woody plant and low herbaceous species were assessed using visual appraisal and 1 m2 quadrat, respectively. The results showed that except for the chemical parameters (pH, Cl−, SO42−, PO42−, NO3−, total hardness, Ca2+ and DO) and TDS, the enteric bacteria load and physical parameters (colour, turbidity and EC) were above standards. This was majorly attributed to anthropogenic activities. The tree species identified on the banks were mainly Azadirachta Indica (neem), Diospyrosmespiliformis (Ebony), Acacia nilotica (Acacia), Taminaliacatapa (Indian Almond) and Ficus sp. The study recommends that proper sanitation and hygiene practices are implemented and enforced, and ensure periodic assessment of the pond’s quality. Also, the protection of the vegetation within the catchment area of the pond should be integral in the management of the tourist site.