VRA votes 2.5m for Dodi Island eco-tourism development

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has allocated 2.5 million dollars for the development of the eco-tourism potential on the Dodi Island.

The project, being fund through the Authority's Volta Hotels Limited subsidiary, is aimed at placing value on the 213-acre island.

The Dodi Island with a population of about 404 residents is located about 27 kilometres away from Akosombo.

The island, which serves as one of the major tourist sites in the country, was created in 1961 following the construction of the Volta Lake for the development of the Akosombo hydro-electric plant.

Mr. Teye Sabbah, Finance Manager of the Volta Hotel, told the Times during a site inspection to the area by officials from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission that, the hotel apart from providing hospitality services also offered cruising services to tourists to the island.

According to him, although the cruising service attracted a large number of both local and foreign tourists, there were no recreational facilities to entertain and satisfy their curiosity.

Mr. Sabbah noted that the project, expected to be implemented by next year, would boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the indigenes.

He said new pleasure boats in the form of executive, fast and sail boats, were to be acquired to provide variety of services to clients and also to complement the MV Dodi Princess Ferry which had been operating as the only pleasure boat to the island.

Nana Kofi Adu-Nsiah, Executive Director of the Wildlife division of the Forestry Commission, said a ranching project to be undertaken by the hotel management with support from the Division. If successfully implemented, it would be the first in the country.

He asked the public to show interest in. wildlife conservation, adding that the ranching project would see the introduction of ostriches, cobs, bush bugs, and duikers among others.