Ghana’s Forestry Commission, on behalf of the country’s government, has signed an agreement to develop, operate and maintain a world-class ecological park as a top eco-tourist destination worldwide.

The move comes at a time when Achimota Forest has come up against serious issues as a result of encroachment and over development. The new lease agreement, signed by the Forestry Commission and Aikan Capital Ltd, will create world-class infrastructure based on the concept of an eco park.

Achimota Forest currently attracts twenty thousand visitors, generating US$60,000 (€53,400, £41,250) annually. Following development, the government expects those numbers to rise to 100,000 visitors with an US$8m (€7.1m, £5.5m) annual spend.

Included in the US$320m (€284.8m, £220m) plans will be the introduction of selected wildlife species for safaris, an amusement park, lodges, a spiritual enclave and a cultural village.

As part of the lease agreement, the government of Ghana will receive a percentage of revenues generated in addition to other tax revenues.

“The Achimota Eco-Park concept provides a great opportunity for eco-tourism and an environmentally-friendly, money-churning venture,” said Samuel Afari Dartey, chief executive of the Forestry Commission.

”Achimota Forest will be transformed into a world-class eco-tourism enclave, similar to those found in Kenya, Namibia and South Africa.”

The Forestry Commission says the development will create more than 17,000 jobs during both the development and operational phases. It is hoped once complete, the eco-tourist destination will draw more than 600,000 people annually.