The people of Ketu South, Ghana, celebrated World Tourism Day 2025 by undertaking a significant environmental and cultural exercise: the planting of 200 coconut trees in the community of Agavedzi. Abla Dzifa Gomashie who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ketu South constituency spearheaded the initiative, characterizing it as a “symbolic planting of wealth in the community.” This action was designed to spotlight the profound cultural and economic value of the coconut tree to the region’s coastal dwellers, which the Minister emphatically described as “family wealth.”
The exercise also served a dual purpose, linking local heritage and sustainability to the broader potential of the blue economy and the untapped tourism opportunities along Ghana’s extensive coastline. The choice of Agavedzi for the planting was highly deliberate, aiming to draw national attention to the community’s vulnerability to tidal waves and the urgent need for action on climate change. By planting the trees, the organizers sought to promote local, tangible efforts toward restoring coastal communities and enhancing their resilience.
Minister Gomashie reinforced the coconut tree’s indispensable value by sharing a personal anecdote: she had to pay a separate fee for the coconut trees on a parcel of land she purchased, illustrating their inherent worth beyond the land itself. Following the tree-planting segment of the celebration, the community transitioned into a vibrant cultural durbar, where participants proudly dressed in the traditional Agbozume Kete weave. The entire event underscored a powerful message of environmental stewardship interwoven with the preservation of cultural roots.
Minister Gomashie concluded the commemoration with a stirring call to action for the region and the nation: “Let’s protect our coast and grow our heritage,” urging citizens to safeguard their environment and continue to nurture their traditions.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
