Aburi-Obosomase Waterfalls: An-Untapped Tourist Site

The Eastern region is arguably one of the regions with highest number of tourist site in the country. The tourist facilities that continue to attract visitors include Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie cocoa farms, lake volta, Akonedi Shrine Larteh, Slave Market of Abonse, Okomfo Anokye's Shrine, Boti Falls, Begoro Falls the Craft Shops etc.

Others are the forgotten Akaah waterfalls, the Umbrella Rock, the original Presbyterian school buildings in Akropong, the houses of Tetteh Quarshie in Mampong.

It is regrettable however that some roads leading to these undiscovered sites are in such a deplorable state of attracting potential holiday makers to such places. This neglect hinders the patronage of promoting such natural heritage sites. One of such sites is the Obosomase waterfalls which is about 150 metres from the Aburi Township. This beautiful site has a natural scenery and can quickly be turned into a major income earner for the people of Obosomase and Ghana in general.

Community concerns
In spite of Obosomase waterfalls being a preferred holiday destination, it has seen a little interest and private sector investment. When given the needed attention it can become a force to reckon with, Obosomase waterfalls can march a higher patronage like the Boti Falls and other well patronized holiday destinations of Ghana.

Appeal
The assembly member for the area, appealed for support from individuals and the private sector to help develop the natural given waterfalls so as to project Akuapim South district into the tourist map of Ghana and the preferred tourism destination of the world.

He said the community is prepared to enter into agreement with potential investors to help bring direct jobs to the people. He was worried that high rate of young people in the area have migrated to the cities for non-existing jobs is worrying and should be looked at critically.

According to him opportunities exist for the exportation of tropical flowers which abounds many in the area due to its serene atmosphere and the availability of land in the cool mountainous area of the eastern region where a wider variety of flowers can be cultivated and exported.

The region
The Eastern Region of Ghana is a rich blend of dramatic landscape, historic relics and traditional cultures. The ancient blends with the 20th century in this region so close to but such a contrast with Accra.

The region is dominated by the Volta Lake, one of the world's largest man-made lakes and the Akosombo Dam, the source of much of Ghana's hydroelectric power, both are worth a visit. A favourite excursion is a week end trip to the Dodi islands and many tourist sites of the region.

The Eastern Region contains Ghana's only commercial diamond mine at Akwatia, while the birthplace of our great cocoa industry at Mampong-Akuapim.

These came to light when young members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints embarked on a recreational tour of 2 tourism sites for a weekend learning and relaxation for the youth members to socialise and prepare them to start a fresh new week ahead of them.

Facilitation to both the Obosomase waterfalls and the Aburi Botanical Gardens was led by the tesano stake young women president Ms Linda Amoako and other executives of the church.

It is hoped that the Akuapim South districts which has an oversight responsibilities in the area would see the economic potential of these tourist sites and make capital out of it.

WP 20140830 034