The Vodza Ecotourism Initiative has successfully hosted the fifth edition of the Vodza Easter Regatta, drawing residents, tourists, and stakeholders to the coastal community in a vibrant celebration of culture, sport, and tourism.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, forms part of efforts to promote eco-tourism and water sports while showcasing the unique natural and cultural assets of the Keta Municipality.
Delivering remarks, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commended the organisers and the community for sustaining the initiative and encouraged broader participation to expand its impact.
She urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration and dialogue with government to ensure the festival grows to attract more visitors, foster peace, and create opportunities for surrounding communities.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, praised the initiative as an emerging tourism product with the potential to position the Volta Region prominently on Ghana’s tourism map.
She disclosed that the festival was among activities launched in Accra as part of national celebrations, including Ghana’s Independence anniversary and Cultural Day, highlighting government’s commitment to promoting regional tourism.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, and the media to expand the festival beyond Vodza to cover coastal communities from Aflao to Anyanui.
“What Ghana does not lack is talent, but visibility. If we work together and promote such initiatives, we can identify and develop talents, especially among the youth, and project them onto the regional and global stage,” she said.
Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo a member of the Board of Trustees of the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative, said the festival was launched five years ago by a group of natives seeking to promote tourism and create livelihoods through community-based initiatives.
She explained that the regatta, rooted in the fishing traditions of the area, has grown into a multi-faceted festival featuring canoe racing, swimming competitions, island tours, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and a food fair.
“We started this to attract people to the area and create opportunities to alleviate poverty. Over the years, it has grown bigger and better, and we continue to add more activities,” she said.
She noted that the initiative also includes community-focused interventions such as health screening, National Health Insurance registration, and social support programmes.
According to her, the long-term vision is to position Vodza as a key eco-tourism destination, attract investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
“We want people to put this festival on their Easter calendar. Vodza has so much to offer, from the lagoon and the sea to the rich culture and untapped tourism potential,” she added, calling on more sponsors and investors to support the initiative.
The festival featured various water sports competitions, with men and women groups participating in canoe racing and swimming events.
The Alex Group (Akorfatsi) emerged winners in the canoe race, while the Lion Group won the Wutsi category.
The event also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the area, reinforcing the role of community-driven tourism in local economic development.
