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A major ecotourism initiative is set to significantly boost the local economy and transform agricultural activities in Tegbi Ashiata in the Anloga District of the Volta Region.
The project, spearheaded by a private developer, includes the construction of an access road to the Togbi Gawu enclave to the tourism site. This road, once completed, will link the Ashiata community to Abiwukope in Woe, providing much-needed access for local farmers to transport their produce and inputs efficiently.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday afternoon to officially mark the commencement of the project, which will include the clearing of the six-metre wide road extension. The road, about six kilometres, from Togbi Gawu Street, will connect Ashiata road to Abiyuches street at Woe.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Saviour Elorm Amegee, a native of the community and a board member of the West Wave Hospitality Group, the private developer in charge of the project, stated that beyond creating a tourist attraction, the initiative aims to revitalise farming activities in the area. “Although the primary intention was to build an access route to the tourist facility, we realised the opportunity to solve a pressing challenge for local farmers,” he noted.
“Currently, many farmers struggle to move their produce to major market centres due to the poor road conditions. This new road will ease transportation and, in turn, make farming more viable and attractive in the community.” Mr. Elorm Amegee also revealed that the eco-tourism centre would rely heavily on produce from local farms for its food supplies.
He said: “The project will directly source vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots, okra, and shallots and other farm produce from farmers in Tegbi and surrounding communities, thereby boosting the local agricultural economy.” Togbi Gawu V, Dufia of Tegbi, who was present and led the ceremony, expressed his full endorsement of the project and lauded its potential to address longstanding developmental challenges in the area.
Togbi Gawu said one of the biggest concerns in the community has been the lack of accessible roads, and the initiative is timely and wholeheartedly welcomed by Him. “Our farmers will now be able to work with less difficulty. I will personally engage other stakeholders to ensure all necessary support is given to see this project to completion,” he stated. He also highlighted the project’s capacity to reduce youth unemployment in the area.
“The tourist site will attract visitors and boost the local economy. More importantly, it will create jobs by employing young men and women from Tegbi,” Togbi Gawu said. Local farmers who spoke to the Ghana News Agency expressed their appreciation for the initiative, saying the construction of the road will significantly improve their productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. Currently, local farmers in the area face serious challenges transporting inputs like fertilisers and even harvesting tools. Often, they lose a significant portion of their produce because vehicles can’t access the sandy terrain.
“This project if completed will help change the narrative,” they reaffirmed. The eco-tourism project dubbed Zen Palms will be a game-changer for the Tegbi community, intertwining tourism with agriculture and employment to drive sustainable development in the area.
Source: GNA
