By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — Xavi, Ghana
The Akatsi South Municipal Assembly has outlined plans to transform Xavi into a major ecotourism destination, leveraging the community’s natural environment, cultural heritage and the Lotor River to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The initiative was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting on tourism development held in Xavi as part of activities marking the 2026 Avenor Tutudoza Celebration.
The Assembly said the development of the Xavi Eco-Tourism Project, with the Lotor River as a key attraction, would form part of efforts to diversify the local economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents.
According to the assembly, the area’s natural landscape provides significant opportunities for ecotourism, recreation, cultural tourism, educational excursions, nature-based activities and community tourism.
It said tourism should be viewed not simply as a recreational activity but as an economic sector capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and opening markets for local businesses.
Agricultural producers, food vendors, artisans, transport operators, accommodation providers and other small businesses, it noted, could benefit directly from increased tourist activity.
The Assembly’s vision is to develop Xavi into an environmentally sustainable destination capable of attracting visitors from across Ghana and beyond while ensuring that local residents remain the principal beneficiaries of the project.
Under the proposed development programme, the Assembly intends to improve access to the Lotor River, provide visitor facilities and establish a functional management structure for the ecotourism project.
Plans include the construction of environmentally appropriate summer huts along the riverbank, sanitary facilities, potable water infrastructure, solar lighting, tourism signage, parking areas, visitor reception facilities and nature trails.
The Assembly is also considering viewing platforms, family recreational areas, local food outlets, handicraft and souvenir centres and professional tour-guide services.
A new office for the Xavi Eco-Tourism Project is also expected to be established to coordinate tourism administration, visitor reception, bookings, tour guides, revenue management, promotion, maintenance and data collection.
The proposed facility could also incorporate a tourism information and interpretation centre where visitors would learn about the history, culture and environmental significance of Xavi and the Lotor River.
The Assembly stressed that development of the site would have to be undertaken without compromising the ecological integrity of the area.
It pledged to promote responsible construction, proper waste management, protection of natural vegetation and wildlife, tree planting and environmental education.
Residents have consequently been urged to take ownership of the Lotor River and help protect it from pollution and indiscriminate dumping.
The Assembly further announced plans to engage the private sector, development partners, non-governmental organisations and corporate institutions to mobilise additional resources for the project.
Potential investment areas include accommodation, restaurants, recreational facilities, transportation, eco-lodges, event facilities and souvenir centres.
The Assembly said the project would be pursued through collaboration with traditional authorities, government agencies, tourism institutions, local businesses and the community.
It also intends to market Xavi through television, radio, documentaries, digital platforms, tourism fairs, school excursions, corporate retreats and cultural events.
The Avenor Tutudoza celebration, the Assembly noted, provides an important platform to showcase the community’s culture, history and tourism potential to a wider audience.
The assembly expressed confidence that with sustained investment, community participation and responsible environmental management, Xavi could emerge as one of the important ecotourism destinations in the Volta Region and Ghana.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com