On the eve of his birthday, Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, used a visit to the Avu Lagoon to shine a spotlight on one of the Region’s lesser-known but promising tourism destinations.

The Avu Lagoon Crema Ecotourism project is a community initiative involving 17 communities across the South Tongu, Akatsi South and Anloga districts, offering visitors an experience that combines nature, wildlife, culture and local enterprise.

The Minister travelled by canoe through a locally created canal to the island, observing the lagoon’s aquatic environment and the different species of fish along the way.

The destination offers a range of experiences, including canoe safari, bird watching, tree planting, local gin distillery tour, the Bludo Town Tour, Sitatunga viewing, Cultural performances, Traditional Voltarian cuisine and overnight camping. It also provides opportunities for research and documentary production.

One of the most distinctive attractions is the Sitatunga, a rare semi-aquatic antelope. Visitors can access a viewing platform and learn about the animal and the lagoon ecosystem that supports it.

The Bludo Town Tour adds a historical and cultural dimension to the experience, with visitors exposed to traditional stories, heritage sites and artefacts, including human remains and broken pottery associated with the community’s history.

During the visit, Hon. Gunu also paid a courtesy call on Togbe Galenu II at Tosukpo, where discussions centred on the development and promotion of the area.

At Bludo, the community requested support towards acquiring a canoe to enhance its tourism activities. The Minister responded with a GH¢10,000 donation towards the purchase of the canoe, alongside other items presented to the community.

The visit formed part of the Minister’s broader engagement with tourism destinations across the Region. With more than 120 identified tourism sites in the Volta Region, he explained that he deliberately chose Avu Lagoon to help bring greater attention to a destination that remains relatively unknown to many Ghanaians and potential visitors.

The Avu Lagoon Visitors’ Centre operates from Monday to Sunday, 8:00am to 5:30pm, offering guided experiences for visitors.

From its waterways and wetlands to its wildlife, community heritage and cultural experiences, Avu Lagoon presents another side of the Volta tourism story — one that connects adventure, conservation and community livelihoods.

For visitors looking beyond conventional tourist destinations, Avu Lagoon is a place to explore, learn, experience and discover.