Safari Valley Eco Park came alive with the sounds of nature and young explorers as the second edition of the Joyfm/Safari Valley Eco Initiative concluded in grand style.

This 2nd edition held on 22nd November 2024, brought together 280 students, 100 from Morning Star School and 180 from Hansen Road SDA School for a one-of-a-kind outdoor learning experience focused on sustainability and conservation.

The initiative, a collaboration between Joy FM and Safari Valley, aims to equip young minds with practical knowledge to tackle environmental challenges. Over the course of the program, students swapped traditional classrooms for the breathtaking landscapes of Safari Valley, engaging in activities like identifying unique plant species, observing wildlife, and learning the principles of environmental preservation.

Interestingly, this second edition had a personal touch, as the CEO of Safari Valley, an old student of Hansen Road SDA School, took pride in hosting the young learners from his alma mater.

Camp Manager Iris Nii Quaye shared insights into the park’s eco-friendly design, explaining how areas like the golf hazard also serve as habitats for fish and resting places for water birds.

“Our golf hazards, for example, aren’t just for play; they also provide safe habitats for fish and cooling areas for water birds,” she noted, highlighting the park’s dedication to conservation.

The tour was made possible with the support of sponsors Alpay Limited and IDT, who underscored their commitment to building a greener future.
“We believe that nurturing a love for nature among young people is key to sustainability,” Ebenezer York representative from Alpay Limited.

With the overwhelming success of the second edition, the Joy Fm/Safari Valley Eco Initiative is proving that environmental education can be both impactful and fun. As more students take part in this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience, the hope is that they’ll carry the lessons of sustainability back to their schools, homes, and communities.

This partnership between Joy FM and Safari Valley is just the beginning of a greener, brighter future for Ghana’s youth and the planet.

The Multimedia Group together with Safari Valley Eco-Park has launched an educational initiative to instill a deep environmental appreciation into the younger generation.

The joint initiative is aimed at combating illegal mining and promoting environmental conservation by encouraging the younger generation to protect their natural surroundings.

The plan is to start with education, targeting children from the age of six up to tertiary institutions. The goal is to ensure that every child in the country visits Safari Eco Park.

By doing so, young eco-champions will learn firsthand how humans can co-exist with nature without destroying it. This educational program aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in the younger generation, showcasing sustainable practices and the importance of preserving our natural resources.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the Board Chairman of Safari Valley Eco Park, Ernest Gyekye, emphasized the need for immediate action against illegal mining also called “galamsey”.

“We are in a failed situation,” he said. “But we believe that by educating our children and showing them the right way to interact with nature, we can make a difference.”

Head of Research at Joy News, Raymond Acquah, highlighted the severe impact of illegal mining on water resources and agriculture during the launch of the initiative.

“First and foremost, you’ve heard from the Ghana water company. They tell us that when they spend quality time treating water, 60% of that water is useless. They are able to supply only 40% of the water. Barely a year ago, it was 50%,” he said.

“The water bodies that supply water to these treatment plants have been heavily polluted by illegal mining. This means they will spend more on treating our water bodies, and we will end up paying more for water. In some areas, the situation is even worse.”

Raymond Acquah also pointed out the broader implications of illegal mining on agriculture, particularly the cocoa sector.

“In the cocoa sector and cocoa-growing areas, there’s a massive reduction in output directly linked to the activities of illegal miners who have taken over cocoa farms. Cocoa has always stabilized this country, especially during times when we secure the cocoa syndicated loan to support our currency,” he explained.

This programme is a call to action for all stakeholders, including schools, parents, and the government to help safeguard the environment for future generations.

By educating the youth and involving them in conservation efforts, Safari Eco Park and its partners hope to create a ripple effect that will lead to a more sustainable future for Ghana.

Imagine stepping into a world where luxury seamlessly intertwines with nature’s embrace. That’s the enchanting experience I had when I ventured into Safari Valley, nestled deep within the Okere District of Ghana’s Eastern Region.

Founded by visionaries Samuel Afari Dartey and Richard Duah Nsenkyire, this sprawling 600-acre Eco Park Resort is a living testament to their dream of harmonising opulence with environmental consciousness.

From the moment I set foot in Safari Valley, I was enveloped by an ambience that echoed the very essence of nature itself. The founders’ mission extended far beyond delivering world-class services; it was about nurturing and preserving the natural world. Their dream? To create a sanctuary where humanity and wildlife coexist harmoniously, reminiscent of the biblical Eden.

What struck me most profoundly during my visit was Safari Valley’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Board Chairman Ernest Gyekye passionately articulated their dedication to reducing their ecological footprint.

The resort itself serves as a living testament to eco-friendliness, with a bold vision of achieving energy independence. Solar panels glistened under the sun’s warm embrace, bio-digesters hummed with purpose, and wastewater recycling plants silently orchestrated their environmental ballet.

These innovations were steps toward bidding farewell to the era of diesel generators.

Yet, Safari Valley’s sustainability journey extends far beyond the ordinary. Every facet of the resort has been thoughtfully designed with the environment in mind. Construction materials are meticulously sourced, with timber chosen from sustainable forests. Biodigesters gracefully manage waste from washrooms, and the treated water nurtures the verdant lawns surrounding the resort.

When it comes to dining, Safari Valley redefines the concept of farm-to-table. Their very own farms yield 80% of the vegetables, while free-range poultry freely explores their domains. A canal graces the landscape, housing up to 250,000 fish, and ensuring a sustainable seafood source for guests.

Not a morsel goes to waste at Safari Valley. Food scraps are transformed to nourish the animals, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem within this eco-friendly haven. Everywhere you turn, energy-efficient LED lighting contributes to reduced electricity consumption.

As I ventured through the resort, I couldn’t help but notice the whisper-quiet glide of electric cars, further diminishing Safari Valley’s carbon footprint. This isn’t just about eco-friendliness; it’s about crafting a new definition of luxury that reveres and nurtures the natural world.

At Safari Valley, luxury and sustainability dance in a harmonious rhythm, inviting every guest to savour the beauty of nature while leaving a mere whisper of an ecological footprint. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a vision of paradise aligns with a steadfast commitment to protect our planet.