REPORTER’S DIARY: Inside Ghana’s multi-billion-dollar Safari tourism sites
•Pictures from Safari valley resort. Photo: Olasunkanmi Akinlotan
Africa’s multi-trillion-naira tourism sector quietly shifts as Safari Valley Resort in Ghana offers a fresh sustainable model. OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN explores its nature-hospitality blend, environmental care, and redefinition of African travel
On July 20, while walking towards the Ceiba Restaurant, the riverfront dining area at Safari World, a sprawling tourism and hospitality investment in Ada, Ghana, I encountered a 25-year-old female Nigerian tourist whose radiant smile seemed to conceal a deeper story.
Safari World is part of one of Ghana’s most ambitious tourism developments, where luxury hospitality is treated not merely as a business but as an experience carefully curated for every visitor.
Tina had just stepped out of the swimming pool and was heading back to her room. Although she initially declined a friendly discussion, she eventually agreed after I introduced myself as a Nigerian journalist who has been following the barrage of kidnapping cases that has occurred in Nigeria recently.
What caught my attention was the contrast between her cheerful appearance and the sadness that occasionally flashed across her face. When she mentioned that she was Nigerian but lived in London, I jokingly said that Nigerians are generally known for their resilience and ability to recover quickly from difficult moments.
While her smile faded gradually, she said, “I lost my father to kidnappers recently in Nigeria.”
Although she declined to reveal his name, she explained that he had recently been abducted in Nigeria.
According to her, the kidnappers collected the ransom demanded by the family but still murdered him unprovoked.
“My world collapsed,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
“I have been sad for the last four and a half months. They collected the ransom and still killed my father without provocation.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke.
After a brief silence, she composed herself and smiled, and said, “I almost ran mad when it happened in April, but I’m gradually healing. That’s why I’m here.”
After expressing my condolences, I asked whether the resort had helped to ease her grief.
She replied, “This place has completely changed my mood. My brother insisted I should come here for a few days, and I haven’t had to worry about anything except bathing and maintaining hygiene here; you are pampered,” she laughed before continuing.
“I even have a butler who is always ready to help me. He checks on me constantly, almost like a boyfriend. He makes me feel completely at home.
“This resort restored my happiness. I have travelled to several places, but I’ve never experienced hospitality like this.”
For visitors like Tina, the journey to Ada became more than a holiday; it became the beginning of healing.
Meanwhile, Tina’s testimony corroborated my experience at the Safari World tourism spots, where I was housed for days.
Nestled gracefully along the tranquil banks of the Volta River in Ada, Aqua Safari combines elegance, nature and adventure in one destination. Designed for discerning travellers, the resort features tastefully crafted waterfront chalets, lush landscapes and breathtaking river views that create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
In the Safari World, aside from Aqua Safari, the parent company also has Safari Valley and Safari Homes, which target different kinds of travellers and fun-seekers.
At Aqua Safari, situated in Ada, visitors unwind beside infinity pools overlooking the river, enjoy their meals at the waterfront restaurant and experience a level of personalised service that leaves lasting memories. Members of staff repeatedly describe their mission in simple terms: to make every guest’s stay unforgettable.
Beyond its luxury accommodation, the resort offers a variety of recreational activities, including boat cruises, jet-ski adventures and guided tours to nearby islands, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the Volta River from different perspectives.
Ada itself is a coastal community where life revolves around the water. For generations, many residents have depended on fishing and other river-based occupations for their livelihoods.
The Volta River, which stretches from northern Ghana before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Ada, is one of the country’s most important natural assets. Rich in aquatic life, it is home to more than 140 species of fish and supports a thriving fishing industry that produces hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish annually.
Beyond fisheries, the Volta River and the Volta Lake play a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, providing between 50 and 80 per cent of the country’s hydroelectric power generation.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a leading tourism destination in West Africa, resorts such as Aqua Safari demonstrate how world-class hospitality, natural beauty and thoughtful service can transform not only vacations but also lives.
Safari Homes was my first stop upon arriving in Ghana, and it immediately felt warm, welcoming and comfortable. True to its name, the apartment offers a homely atmosphere, with a thoughtful design that celebrates the beauty of nature while seamlessly blending modern comfort with natural elements to create a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Safari Valley is an impressive eco-resort spread across more than 600 acres of land and supported by a workforce of nearly 600 people.
The resort is committed to sustainable, world-class tourism, with a strong emphasis on preserving the natural ecosystem. While incorporating subtle modern touches, the accommodation, known as cabins, is constructed primarily from wood and other environmentally friendly materials. Many of the furnishings and appliances within the cabins are creatively made from recycled waste and scrap materials, reflecting the resort’s dedication to sustainability and responsible environmental practices.
Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism
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