Title: Tourism in the Metropolis - Butuah Wetlands: A Potential Eco-tourism Gem

Introduction:

Welcome to the third part of our series on Tourism in the Metropolis - Butuah Wetlands.

This designated Eco-tourism site in Ghana holds immense potential as a unique tourist attraction.

In this article, we'll explore the development plans for Butuah Wetlands and Monkey Hill, the ownership concerns, and the recent involvement of two investors interested in partnering with the Metropolis for its development.

Development Plans and Ownership Concerns:

The Butuah Wetlands and Monkey Hill have been envisioned as a tourist attraction for quite some time. Initially, there were plans to turn the area into a hotel by private investors.

However, the proposal was rejected by stakeholders, including the STMA, as the site was declared an Eco-tourism site in 2003.

The current efforts to develop the Butuah Wetlands and Monkey Hill into a Nature Park involve a collaborative approach.

The Nature's Park Working Group comprises key stakeholders such as the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, STMA, Friends of the Nation (FoN), the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and others.

Ownership of the Butuah land became a significant hurdle in the project's progress. The land was technically under the ownership of the Ministry of Communication (MoC) because Vodafone (Ghana Telecom) operated a canteen and had its Tower and accommodations for workers on Monkey Hill.

However, efforts are underway by the Western Regional Minister, Honorable Kwabena Otchere Darko, to convince MoC to cede the land.

Western Region Minister.

Involvement of Investors:

Two investors, Trinity Park, a fully-owned Ghanaian company, and the Oxygen Group, a consortium that includes Friends of the Nation, have expressed interest in partnering with the Metropolis for the development of the Butuah Wetlands.

They presented their proposals to the Working Group and the Regional Minister on the 3rd of July, 2023.

Proposed Development and Authority Ownership:

The site's planned development includes facilities for tourism, a recreational park, and a zoo, with the possible incorporation of a swimming pool.

Once the ownership concerns are resolved and the Ministry of Communication cedes the land, the authority responsible for owning and managing the Butuah land and the associated business will be determined.

The Regional Minister's efforts to utilize inter-ministerial platforms will play a crucial role in this decision-making process.

Working Group Coordination:

Regarding the organization of the Working Group, meetings are called by either Donkris Mevuta, the Executive Director of Friends of the Nation, or Mr. Henry Yeleduor, the Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Mr. Henry Yeleduor - Regional Director.

The Working Group reports to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), ensuring efficient coordination and oversight.

Conclusion:

The Butuah Wetlands hold great promise as an Eco-tourism gem in Ghana. Despite initial challenges with ownership concerns, the involvement of two potential investors and the collaborative efforts of the Working Group and stakeholders provide hope for the successful development of this unique tourist site.

With support from the Regional Minister and the concerned authorities, the Butuah Wetlands and Monkey Hill may soon become a thriving destination for tourists, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities..