Agavedzi, Ketu South – September 27, 2025 – The Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has described the planting of coconut trees at Agavedzi as an act of “planting wealth in the community,” symbolising both cultural heritage and economic empowerment.

She made the remarks during the 2025 World Tourism Day celebration, which brought residents of Ketu South together to plant 200 coconut seedlings along the coastline of Agavedzi, a community severely impacted by tidal waves.

Highlighting the coconut tree’s enduring value, Hon. Gomashie underscored its dual cultural and economic significance.

“In this coastal community, we see the coconut as a cash crop and family wealth. Generations after generations benefit from it,” she said.

Sharing a personal experience, she recalled having to pay separately for coconut trees when purchasing land, underscoring their deep-rooted place in the local economy and culture.

The Minister linked the initiative to Ghana’s blue economy agenda, stressing the untapped tourism potential of the nation’s coastlines.

“Our beautiful coastline from Aflao to Half Assini is a tourism product we have not fully capitalised on. World Tourism Day 2025 is our opportunity to educate our people about keeping our beaches clean. Charity begins at home, hence the reason why we are starting here in Agavedzi,” she noted.

Agavedzi was deliberately chosen for the symbolic exercise to draw national and international attention to its vulnerability to climate change and tidal wave devastation. Hon. Gomashie also reminded participants of the sea defence project initiated under H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, noting that Agavedzi was earmarked as the symbolic starting point for the second phase.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu South, Mr Nicholas Worclachie, praised the initiative and urged residents to support the MP and her Ministry in advancing tourism and development in the municipality.

The ceremony was attended by agency heads, directors, deputy directors, and staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainability, culture, and economic growth.

By leading the symbolic planting in Agavedzi, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed her belief that heritage, environment, and tourism are interwoven pillars of Ghana’s development agenda.