BY: Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline
The Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary, one of the Volta Region’s most treasured eco-tourism sites, is calling for urgent support to develop sustainable accommodation facilities as visitor numbers continue to rise.
The sanctuary’s manager, Mr. Francis Acquaye, revealed that the site welcomes approximately 700 foreign tourists and 1,500 local visitors each month, yet lacks adequate lodging options to cater to the growing demand.
“We are experiencing a steady rise in tourist numbers, both local and international. However, the absence of eco-friendly lodging remains a major challenge. We are calling on government agencies, private investors, and NGOs to support us in developing sustainable accommodation that enhances visitor experience while protecting the environment,” he stated.
Established in the 1990s, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary protects a population of Mona monkeys, considered sacred by the local community. Over the years, it has evolved into a key destination for eco-tourism, blending conservation, culture, and wildlife.
Tourism experts believe that with the right investment, the sanctuary could boost the local economy, create employment for the youth, and serve as a model for sustainable tourism in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the sector minister, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in an interaction with the media during a recent tour of the region, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tourism development, stressing the need for strategic investment and collaboration to unlock the full potential of the Volta Region.
Hon. Gomashie emphasized that targeted investment in infrastructure and marketing would ensure that communities directly benefit from tourism revenue.
“Families live around these sites and care for them, but they don’t directly benefit from tourism revenue. With targeted investment, we can attract more visitors and ensure that the benefits remain within the communities,” she stated.
She also highlighted the lack of star-rated hotels and modern amenities, noting that these gaps often result in tourists making brief visits instead of extended stays that contribute to local economies.
The minister pledged to spotlight lesser-known attractions across all districts, ensuring every part of the Volta Region has an opportunity to showcase its tourism potential. “With the right support, these sites can become valuable contributors to national development,” she remarked.
As eco-tourism gains global attention, industry stakeholders remain hopeful that investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure will position the Volta Region as a leading destination, creating jobs, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening Ghana’s tourism appeal.
