By Jones Anlimah.
Members of the Xavi Eco-tourism Management Committee have appealed for assistance to help revamp the Xavi Bird watching and Cultural Ecotourism Sanctuary. The sanctuary located in the Akatsi South District of the Volta region is one of the most unique and fascinating bird sites in Ghana but has been abandoned for some years now.
According to Officials, the sanctuary is on the verge of collapse if urgent steps are not taken to give it a facelift.
Correspondent Jones Anlimah was there for a bird-watching expedition and reports that the journey began from the Volta regional capital, Ho to Xavi, a community in the Akatsi South District of the Volta region.
The mission, a bird-watching expedition at the Xavi Bird watching and cultural ecotourism sanctuary on the Lotor river. The GBC News team was however met with disappointment upon reaching and seeing the reception facility of the sanctuary.
Total abandonment could best describe the state of the reception facility as dust had settled on all surfaces.
The Xavi Birds Sanctuary and Cultural Ecotourism facility is a community based ecotourism facility. It was started by some American Peace Corps volunteers in 2000. The establishment of the facility opened business and job opportunities for the indegines.
However, the facility ceased to operate with the departure of the Peace Corps Volunteers after their service to Ghana. Mr. Jerome Vicka, a tour guide and a receptionist at the facility shared the information.
GBC News has been informed that the Xavi Bird Watching Ecotourism facility is one of the best if not the best site to see different bird species including migratory birds as well as reptiles and other mammals alike.
The birds include yellow crowned, black winged, northern red bishops, kingfishers, violet turaco, and green hoopoe.
According to the Tour Guide, Members of the Xavi Tourism Management Committee are not happy about the state of the once vibrant ecotourism facility and have decided to revamp the facility.
Assistance is however needed from the government and investors for logistics, such as canoes, binoculars among others to enhance bird watching.
Tourism is one of the sectors the Volta region could leverage on to take a leap in development. This however requires commitment from the government and investors.
It is therefore the hope of citizens that the right investment drive will be created for the Xavi Bird Watching Ecotourism Sanctuary as the region prepares to host the 5th Volta Trade and Investment Fair with focus on tourism.
2 Responses
How do I get in touch with the tourism committee? I was the PC volunteer that started the program. I’m so sad to see the state that it is in. I would like to help rejuvenate it. Thank you in advance, Christy Reich
This is indeed heartbreaking . Christy, I am so sad to also read this, as I went to Xavi with my family
in 2004 based on the signpost I saw at Akatsi.
I hope it is given a new facelift. Researchers have ben working in the lower wetlands of that area and I am sure with some more interactions, something could be done.