Volta Minister urges smarter leadership, commends Tafi Atome for eco-tourism success – Nsemkeka
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has drawn attention to the importance of strategic thinking and intelligence over brute strength, using the behaviour of monkeys at the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary as a symbolic lesson for leadership and community development.
The Minister made this profound observation during a tour of the sanctuary as part of a trip to Tafi and Amedzofe, organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in connection with the ongoing Volta Trade and Investment Fair.
During the visit, a tour guide at the sanctuary gave a vivid explanation of how the Mona monkeys live in structured family units, each occupying distinct territories.
According to the guide, no family crosses into another’s space, except for the largest and strongest family group that lives deep inside the forest. This dominant group occasionally ventures into other territories to fight for food before retreating to their own space.
Intrigued by the monkeys’ behaviour, Gunu responded with the now-viral remark: “Tafi Atome monkeys play by intelligence and not only by size.” His words instantly resonated with the visitors, drawing laughter and reflection from the delegation, which included government officials, AGI members, and tourists.
Mr. Gunu used the moment to highlight the relevance of strategy, wisdom, and cooperation in both politics and economic development.
“What we’ve witnessed here is more than animal behaviour. It is a natural metaphor for how societies thrive, not by bullying their way through, but by using intelligence to navigate challenges,” he said.
He commended the Tafi Atome community for preserving the sacred forest and developing it into a top-tier eco-tourism destination in Ghana.
“You have proven that communities can preserve culture, protect nature, and at the same time create jobs and opportunities,” he added.
The Tafi-Amedzofe trip forms part of broader efforts under the Volta Fair to promote tourism, investment, and intra-regional trade by showcasing the hidden treasures and economic potential of the Volta Region.