Opinions of Thursday, 18 July 2024
Columnist: Joel Degue
The Southern Volta Region, particularly the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS), together with all adjoining districts, holds significant potential for sustainable development.
There is a felt need to develop a strategic development master plan to utilize previous reports and feasibility studies to develop a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and environmental conservation.
Previous studies that give credence to such a Development plan are as follows:
WAKUTI Scheme (1968)
Tate and Lyle/Taylor Woodrow International Studies (1978)
Herminio Rabanal Report (1985)
Acres International Studies (1992)
Geological Survey Department Report (1992)
Messrs Soval Engineering Studies on Keta Lagoon Complex, etc.
The Master Plan to be developed should cover the following broad areas:
Oil Palm Plantation and Processing
Sugar Cane Plantation and Transformation
Rice Farming and other cereals and legume crops Production
Vegetable Farming, Horticulture and Processing for export
5. Marine and Lagoon fisheries and Aquaculture development, with emphasis on Shrimps, Blue Crabs fattening, Tilapia, Red Breast Tilapia, Clarias, Mullet, and other high-value or low-priced fish species
Wind Power and Solar Energy Farms and Development
Woodlot and Agroforestry Development
Coconut Replantation and Processing
Oil Palm Plantation and Processing
Other tree crops plantations, such as Cashew, mango, and other crops
Cassava and Sweet Potato Farming and Processing
Industrial Development of Solar Salt Ponds
Tourism, Ecotourism and Community-Based Tourism
Hospitality Industry Development
Animal Husbandry and Poultry Raising like goats, pigs, cattle, chickens, ducks, quail, etc.
The Strategic Master Plan for Southern Volta aims to create a balanced approach to development, ensuring economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. By leveraging past studies and engaging the various district assemblies, traditional authorities, financial and technical partners, investors, and local stakeholders, etc., the area can unlock its full potential and achieve long-term prosperity for its people.