Agavedzi: As part of activities to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day, residents of Agavedzi in the Ketu South Municipality planted coconut trees in a symbolic gesture celebrating culture, heritage, and sustainable development. Agavedzi is a coastal community in the Volta Region grappling with the effects of tidal waves.

According to Ghana News Agency, two hundred coconut seedlings were provided for planting, serving as a strategic intervention to promote environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and tourism development along the coastal belt. Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, emphasised the cultural and economic importance of coconut trees in coastal communities. She noted that coconuts are seen as a cash crop and family wealth, benefiting generations.

Madam Gomashie, also Member of Parliament for Ketu South, connected the initiative to broader conversations around the blue economy, a development model that encompasses marine and coastal resources as drivers of economic growth. She highlighted the potential of the coastline from Aflao to Half Assini as a tourism product that has not been fully capitalized on, and stressed the importance of educating the community about keeping beaches clean, starting with Agavedzi.

President John Dramani Mahama recently initiated the second phase of the sea defence project at Agavedzi to mitigate the impact of coastal erosion. Mr Nicholas Worclachie, Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, urged the community to rally behind the Tourism Ministry to boost tourism and development in the area. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial to driving local economic growth and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The tree planting activity was attended by agency heads and selected staff, directors, deputy directors, and support staff from the Ministry. The event marked a renewed commitment by Ketu South to align with global tourism goals, while addressing local environmental and economic challenges.