OUR VOLTA, OUR TOURISM ,LET THE WORLD HEAR ABOUT VOLTA

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By Christian Ahodie Yaw

From sacred forests alive with whispering monkeys to mystical river temples hidden in the bends of the mighty Volta, the Volta Region of Ghana is more than a destination it is an unfolding epic waiting to enchant the world. Beyond the towering Wli Falls and Ghana’s tallest mountains in Afadzato, a new story is rising one of resilience, opportunity, and a bold vision for eco-cultural tourism in West Africa.

*A Region Blessed by Nature and Spirit*

In Afadzato South, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary a forest protected by ancestral beliefs tells of a unique harmony between humans and wildlife. Not far off, Logba Waterfalls tumble down ancient cliffs, while Mount Gemi pierces the sky like a sentinel guarding the soul of Volta. Hohoe boasts Wli Falls, the highest in West Africa, and Agumatsa Falls, a lesser-known but equally majestic site where spirituality and serenity merge.
In Ho West, Ghana’s highest peak, Mount Laklebi, and the Akalakpa Forest Reserve offer unmatched biodiversity and potential for hiking trails, eco-lodges, and scientific tourism. Meanwhile, the Canopy Walkway provides treetop views into an untouched world of birds, orchids, and butterflies.
Further south, Sogakope in South Tongu offers high-end wellness experiences at the Holy Trinity Spa & Health Farm, nestled along the tranquil River Volta. Within these waters lie sacred places like Sesnero and the mysterious Temple of Judas untapped spiritual and historical goldmines.

At Mafi Avakpedome, in the Central Tongu District the War Rocks one male with Black colour and one female with white colour stand as silent guardians of ancient Ewe warrior traditions.

*The Benefits: Jobs, Investment & Cultural Pride*

The tourism potential in the Volta Region is massive and so are the benefits if properly developed. With the right infrastructure and investment:
Over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created in hospitality, eco-guiding, transport, food service, and crafts.

Women and youth can take leadership in eco-lodges, cultural festivals, canoe services, beadwork markets, and event planning.

Foreign exchange earnings will rise through increased international tourist inflow.

It will revive local cultures and languages, making traditions marketable and preserving heritage.

Volta could become a cross-border tourist hub, linking Ghana to Togo and Benin.

*The Challenges Holding Volta Back*

Despite its natural beauty and rich heritage, Volta’s tourism sector faces serious hurdles:

Poor road networks: Many sites like Wli water falls, Logba Falls, War Rocks, at Mafi Avakpedome and Akalakpa Forest are difficult to access.

Lack of promotion: Most attractions remain unknown even within Ghana, let alone internationally.

Inadequate infrastructure: Few eco-lodges, poor signage, limited rest stops, and lack of trained guides.

Environmental threats: Deforestation, sand winning, and improper waste disposal threaten sacred and ecological sites.
Limited investment: Many initiatives rely on community volunteerism with little financial support.

*Stakeholders Stepping Up*

Traditional leaders are preserving sacred groves and promoting community tourism, as seen in Tafi Atome.

District Assemblies in Afadzato South, Hohoe, South Tongu, and Central Tongu Akatsi North Coccrodie Resout Center are integrating tourism into development plans.

Private hospitality investors like Volta Serene Hotel, Freedom Hotel, Holy Trinity Spa, SkyPlus Hotel, Chances Hotel, Stevens Hotel, and Kiki’s Court Hotel Keta Beach Hotel, Aborigin incliding Medical Tourism in our Ho Teaching Hospital are driving growth in accommodation and services.

NGOs and youth groups are advocating for eco-conservation and cultural education.

The Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism is beginning to recognize the region’s untapped value.

*The Way Forward: A Call to Action*

To elevate Volta into a world-class tourism destination, the following steps are crucial:
Improve road networks to key sites in Afadzato, Hohoe, Ho West, and Central Tongu.
Develop eco-lodges and campsites near waterfalls, mountains, and forests to support extended stays.

Train 1,500+ local youth, both male and female, as certified tour guides, environmental stewards, and cultural performers.

Create a unified marketing campaign: *Visit Volta: Where Nature Meets Spirit.*

Establish investment packages and tax incentives to attract tourism entrepreneurs.

Protect natural reserves through legal recognition and enforcement of sustainable tourism rules.

Launch heritage and arts festivals showcasing Volta’s music, dance, cuisine, and crafts.

Set up tourism desks at the municipal level to coordinate all stakeholders and ensure local ownership.

*Opportunities for Foreigners and Investors*

*Volta is ripe for:*

Eco-tourism partnerships with global NGOs and conservationists.

Spiritual tourism packages tailored for pilgrims, scholars, and anthropologists.

Film and photography tourism, thanks to Volta’s dramatic landscapes and folklore.
Voluntourism and cultural immersion programs, especially for students and diaspora returnees.

Already, international visitors are discovering river cruises in Sogakope, healing retreats at Holy Trinity Spa, and cliff hikes on Mount Gemi. But this is just the beginning.

*Volta Is Rising ,Let the World Know Volta*

The Volta Region is not just a place; it is a promise. A promise of peace, purity, and potential. With the support of government, private investors, traditional leaders, and the people, Volta can become the eco-cultural heartbeat of Ghana — and a global example of sustainable tourism development.
Let the world hear the call of the monkey sanctuary. Let them climb the mountains, dance by the waterfalls, taste the food, Like fetridetsi and workplen , Aborbitadzi and feel the spirit of the land. Let them come and leave with stories that never die of Volta. END