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By Christian Ahodie Yaw
The people of Amedzofe-Avatime in the Ho West District of the Volta Region have successfully launched their maiden Tourism Week, an initiative designed to showcase the town’s breathtaking eco-tourism potential while promoting sustainable community development.
The launch event, themed “Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” seeks to attract government, investors, and stakeholders to harness Amedzofe’s unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture for accelerated development.
Amedzofe – Ghana’s Mountain Jewel
Perched on the slopes of Mount Gemi, Amedzofe is Ghana’s highest human settlement, sitting about 2,400 feet above sea level. Its cool and refreshing climate, averaging between 18°C and 22°C, makes it a popular getaway from the hotter lowland towns. On misty mornings, the clouds often roll into the valleys, creating breathtaking views that have earned the town its reputation as the “Switzerland of Ghana.”
The community is home to some of the Volta Region’s iconic tourism attractions, including:
Mount Gemi – crowned by a towering iron cross built by German missionaries in the 1930s.
Amedzofe Canopy Walkway offering sweeping aerial views of the lush valleys below. 
Oneeme Sacred Forest – a serene and spiritually significant woodland preserved by the community.
Waterfalls and hiking trails – tucked away in the surrounding highlands, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A History of Resistance and Pride
Amedzofe is not only known for its landscapes but also its history. Oral tradition recalls the legendary bravery of Queen a warrior queen who led her people to resist Asante invasions during the pre-colonial era. Her defiance and courage form a proud part of the town’s identity, symbolizing resilience and unity.
The area also holds missionary legacies, with some of the earliest German mission schools and churches in the Volta highlands established here in the late 19th century.
Voices from the Launch
Before the official launch, the Assemblyman of Amedzofe delivered a presentation on the town’s untapped tourism potential. Journalists were later guided through the Oteebe Sacred Forest, where they experienced the blend of spirituality and biodiversity that defines the site.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Robbert Elikem Ameh, Assemblyman for Amedzofe, appealed to government and stakeholders to improve the roads leading to the various tourist sites.“If the roads improved, it will open Amedzofe to the world. Tourists will come in numbers, and the community will thrive,” he noted.
The Chief of the Tsikor Clan, Okusie Avati X, echoed the call, stressing that about GHC 400,000.00 is needed to rehabilitate the road from Vane to Amedzofe and upgrade inner-town roads to ease access. “We believe tourism is our gold. But without good roads, it will remain hidden,” he said.
Foreign tourists who joined the tour also expressed admiration. Yohannes, a visitor from Germany, described Amedzofe as “a peaceful, natural haven” and encouraged authorities to preserve its pristine environment.
In his remarks, the District Chief Executive for Ho West, Mr. Francis Profer Dussey, assured that government has already initiated steps to improve the road network in and around Amedzofe. “The rehabilitation of these roads is part of a broader plan to boost eco-tourism and open up Ho West for investment,”he said.
Looking Ahead
The Amedzofe Tourism Festival will climax with a Grand Durbar on October 4, 2025, expected to draw chiefs, government officials, tourists, and development partners.
As Amedzofe positions itself as a leading eco-tourism hub, the festival serves not only as a celebration of culture and nature but also as a call to action — for investment, infrastructure, and sustainable growth in Ghana’s “city above the clouds.”
