The 5th Vodza Easter Regatta has been officially launched in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, with stakeholders highlighting the event as a key platform to promote tourism, create alternative livelihoods and showcase the cultural heritage of the coastal community.

The regatta, organised by the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative, is being held in collaboration with and sponsored by the Ghana Tourism Authority.

The launch brought together traditional leaders, government officials, tourism stakeholders, security agencies and community members, all emphasising the importance of community-driven tourism development in the area.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Benjamin Anani Nsiah commended the Vodza community for sustaining the regatta initiative over the past five years.

He said the effort by the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative to promote community-based tourism demonstrates resilience and innovation in preserving local culture while creating economic opportunities for residents.

Mr Nsiah, who read the address of the Authority’s CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that tourism initiatives such as the regatta can generate livelihoods for residents through fishing-related activities, craft production, tour guiding and local food vending.

He added that the Ghana Tourism Authority, under the leadership of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, with support from John Dramani Mahama, remains committed to supporting community-led tourism initiatives across the country.

According to him, the Authority intends to partner with the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative to develop the area into a tourism hub through infrastructure development and capacity-building programmes.

He disclosed plans to establish a visitor reception facility in Vodza equipped with washrooms, an organised car park, an eatery serving local dishes, a curio shop for artisans and a tourism information centre to enhance visitor experience.

Mr Nsiah also outlined a broader vision of developing a tourism corridor across the southern Volta Region stretching from Anyanui to Aflao, where visitors can explore cultural and historical attractions.

These include sites such as Fort Prinzenstein, the Hedzranawo slave heritage site in Denu and the Atorkor slave market, as well as beach resorts along the Keta and Anloga coastline.

The Municipal Chief Executive of the Keta Municipal Assembly, Wisdom Seade, said the municipality possesses significant tourism potential due to its natural and cultural resources.

He noted that the area is endowed with scenic beaches, islands, lagoons and landscapes that could attract visitors if properly developed and promoted.

Mr Seade said the assembly is ready to support the regatta and encourage investments in tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, water sports and recreational facilities.

He further urged organisers to expand the scope of the event to involve other communities around the lagoon to ensure broader participation and ownership.

According to him, the involvement of surrounding communities would allow them to showcase their culture, music, dance and local cuisine while contributing to the growth of tourism in the municipality.

Also speaking at the launch, the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command of the Ghana Navy Naval Training Command, Captain Prince Abotsi, described the regatta as more than a sporting competition.

He said the event celebrates the community’s connection to the sea and promotes unity, peace and sportsmanship among residents.

Captain Abotsi assured that naval physical training instructors would be deployed during the main event to ensure safety and order during the sailing competitions.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative, Bridget Katsriku, explained that the project was conceived to create alternative livelihoods for residents following the decline in fish stock.