This study uses Lukes' (2005) three-dimensional power to explore the
ability of traditional chiefs to influence slavery-based heritage
tourism decisions. Traditional chiefs of five former slave communities
in Ghana were in-depth interviewed about their efforts to harness
community development through tourism and perceived influence in tourism
decision-making process. Results indicated that despite being guardians
of tourism resources, traditional chiefs perceive themselves to be
powerless in affecting management decisions because of governmental
control of local community institutions. They, however, exert
considerable influence on tourism activities by either avoiding
engagement or acting as community vanguards to discredit the interests
of other stakeholders. Interview data support the theoretical tenets of
Lukes' (2005) three-dimensional view of power, and the need to pursue
cooperative tourism planning is discussed