Southern Volta Strategic Development Plan

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 the 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:

1. WAKUTI Scheme (1968)
2. Tate and Lyle/Taylor Woodrow International Studies (1978)
3. Herminio Rabanal Report (1985)
4. Acres International Studies (1992)
5. Geological Survey Department Report (1992)
6. Messrs Soval Engineering Studies on Keta Lagoon Complex, etc.

The Master Plan to be developed should cover the following broad areas:

1. Oil Palm Plantation and Processing,
2. Sugar Cane Plantation and Transformation,
3. Rice Farming and and other cereals and leguminous crops Production,
4. Vegetable Farming and 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/price fish species,
6. Wind Power and Solar Energy Farms and Development,
7. Woodlot and Agroforestry Development,
8. Coconut Replantation and Processing,
9. Oil Palm Plantation and Processing,
10. Other tree crops plantations such as Cashew, mango, and other crops,
11. Cassava and Sweet Potatoes Farming and Processing,
12. Industrial Development of Solar Salt Ponds,
13. Tourism and Ecotourism and Community Based Tourism,
14. Hospitality Industry Development,
15. Animal Husbandry and Poultry Rearing like goat, pig, cattle, chicken, duck, 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, 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.

Joel Degue,
Resource Development Consultant/Founding Member, Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM).