By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — XAVI, VOLTA REGION, GHANA
Photo Credit: ncrc-ghana.org
The development of the Xavi Eco-Tourism Project is expected to create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and local businesses as the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly seeks to position the community as a sustainable tourism destination.
The Assembly outlined the employment and investment potential of the project during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Xavi as part of the 2026 Avenor Tutudoza Celebration.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akatsi South, Mr Dagba Daniel, noted in a speech that the Lotor River and its surrounding natural environment are at the centre of the initiative, which the Assembly believes could become an important source of economic activity for the community.
He said a properly developed tourism destination could create direct and indirect employment across several sectors, including hospitality, catering, transportation, tour guiding, event management and environmental conservation.
According to the MCE, the assembly intends to explore partnerships with relevant institutions to provide skills training for young people in areas such as tour guiding, hospitality, catering, photography and videography, digital marketing, environmental conservation, visitor safety and small-business management.
He said the objective was to ensure that young people did not see the tourism project merely as a government initiative but as an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods, adding that local women and entrepreneurs could also benefit through food production and sales, handicrafts, accommodation, transportation and the marketing of locally produced goods.
The Assembly said tourism development could create a market for agricultural products and other goods produced within the community, thereby connecting tourism with the local economy.
Private-sector participation
It also intends to encourage private-sector participation in the development of accommodation facilities, restaurants, recreational facilities, eco-lodges, transportation services, event centres and souvenir shops.
The Assembly acknowledged that the financial requirements for tourism infrastructure were beyond the capacity of the Municipal Assembly alone and said a public-private partnership approach would therefore be necessary.
“Development partners, corporate organisations, NGOs and other institutions are also expected to be approached for support.”
A call for strong environmental safeguards
However, the Assembly stressed that investment in Xavi’s tourism sector must be accompanied by strong environmental safeguards with a call on residents to protect the Lotor River and surrounding vegetation.
It further warned that the destruction of the natural resources that attract visitors could undermine the entire tourism project.
The Assembly’s proposed environmental measures include improved waste management, tree planting, protection of natural vegetation and wildlife, prevention of indiscriminate dumping, responsible construction and environmental education.
Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage
Traditional authorities are also expected to play a central role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Xavi.
The Assembly said the area’s tourism potential was not limited to its natural attractions, as traditional music, dance, storytelling, cultural performances, festivals and local history could be incorporated into the visitor experience.
It is also considering the establishment of a tourism information and interpretation centre where visitors can learn about the history, culture and environmental significance of Xavi and the Lotor River.
The Assembly further plans to use television, radio, documentaries, social media, tourism websites, tourism fairs, school excursions and corporate events to promote Xavi as a tourism destination.
The Avenor Tutudoza Celebration is expected to provide an additional platform for promoting the community’s cultural identity and tourism potential.
Cooperation among traditional authorities and all stakeholders
The Assembly has called for closer cooperation among traditional authorities, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, tourism institutions, private investors, government agencies and development partners.
It said the success of the project would ultimately depend on community ownership and collective responsibility.
The Assembly’s broader objective is to ensure that tourism development in Xavi generates employment and income while preserving the natural and cultural assets of the community for future generations.
With the Lotor River as a central attraction, the assembly believes Xavi has the potential to develop into a competitive ecotourism destination in the Volta Region, provided investment, environmental protection and community participation are sustained.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com