The Member of Parliament for Evalue Ajomoro Gwira, Kofi Arko Nokoe, has announced a major dual-pillar development plan aimed at boosting tourism and improving sanitation in the Nzema enclave.
Speaking at the 2026 Axim Kudum Festival, the MP outlined a strategic collaboration with the Municipal Assembly to eradicate open defecation and rebrand the Western region as a premier tourist destination.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nokoe revealed that his office, in partnership with the Assembly, has initiated a project to construct dug-out toilet structures for compound houses.
This move is designed to curb open defecation, which he noted poses a significant hazard to the environment, public health, and the region’s tourism potential.
“We have made an allocation of about 1,700 bags [of cement], and we are getting local artisans, specifically masons, to partner with us,” Mr. Nokoe stated. “A survey has been conducted, and we have identified about 28 compound houses in the lower part of Axim. Data collection is currently ongoing for Upper Axim and its environs.”
The MP emphasized that the initiative is currently in its engagement phase, with engineers meeting to finalize plans before reaching out to the communities to sensitize residents on the purpose and usage of the new facilities.
He noted that the sea defense project and broader tourism goals are being hampered by poor sanitation, making this intervention critical.
Beyond sanitation, Mr. Nokoe turned his attention to the immense tourism potential of the region. Citing data showing that nearly one million people visited Nzemaland last year with the majority flocking only to Nzulezo he argued that the region has more to offer.
“A visitor coming to Nzemaland must not just go to Nzulezo,” he urged. “There is more to discover. In Axim, we have Fort San Antonio, the burial place of Paa Grant, and other monuments that can be discovered.”
To harness this potential, the MP announced a new tourism package titled “Discover Nzemaland,” set to be launched early next year. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Mr. Nokoe, the member of parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah , member of parliament for Jomoro and the Deputy Minister for Transportation, Dorcas Affo Toffey
The package aims to promote a comprehensive tourist circuit that starts in Axim before extending to Ellembelle and Jomoro. The MP highlighted key attractions such as the Ankasa Forest in Jomoro and the structure dedicated to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, encouraging visitors to explore the full breadth of the Nzema heritage.
Mr. Nokoe reaffirmed his commitment to these projects, stating that the processes have already begun. “We are going to reach out to the communities to let them understand what the initiative is and how it will help,” he concluded.
The announcements were met with optimism by festival attendees, who see the combination of improved sanitation and a structured tourism plan as a catalyst for economic growth in Evalue Ajomoro Gwira and the broader Western Region.
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