The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta, has identified the Volta Region as his favourite destination in the country, citing its remarkable eco-tourism potential.
In an interview with Diplomatic Times journalist Raymond Fordjour Ampofo ahead of the conclusion of his tenure, Mr Gupta said his love for nature and travel made the region particularly special to him.
“I love nature and I enjoy travelling, so the Volta Region is one of my favourite places in Ghana,” he said. “I love the serene environment around Volta Lake and the beautiful mountains.”
He recalled his visit to Mount Afadjato, the highest peak in Ghana, describing the experience as both refreshing and memorable.
“The climb was very enjoyable. I have done hiking before during one of my earlier assignments in Australia, so I was familiar with that kind of activity,” he explained. “Although it is not extremely high, there are points where the trail rises at about a 45-degree incline, which makes it exciting.”
According to him, the view from the summit was breathtaking.
“When you get to the top, you can see across the border into Togo. The landscape is simply tropical and beautiful,” he said.
Mr Gupta believes the Volta Region is ideally suited for ecological tourism and said its scenery reminds him of Kerala, a state in southern India famous for its thriving eco-tourism industry.
“If you visit Kerala, you will notice some similarities with Ghana,” he noted. “Kerala is known for its eco-tourism, the serene backwaters with houseboats, spice cultivation, and tea and coffee plantations. It is often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ because of its natural beauty.”
“In many ways, when you are in the Volta Region, you experience a similar feeling because of the wonderful natural environment,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural resources, describing the country’s environment as its most valuable asset.
“Ghana must continue to protect its natural heritage because the real gold here is the environment and the beauty of nature,” he said.
Mr Gupta also spoke about his travels to the Western Region, noting that the coastline there offers equally compelling experiences for visitors.
“The coast is beautiful,” he said. “When you visit historical landmarks like Elmina Castle, it can be a deeply moving experience.”
He also recalled one of his earliest trips in Ghana to Nzulezu, a village built entirely on stilts over water.
“It is a natural wonder,” he said. “You can see how the community lives in harmony with the environment. A few hundred people live there, almost self-sufficient, using canoes for their daily activities and maintaining a simple but sustainable way of life.”
Writer: Frederick Nortey
