Monkey Sanctuaries to Be Developed

The Nkoranza District Assembly is to develop the monkey sanctuaries at Fiema and Boabeng to boost eco-tourism, making the area a "gate-way" to the development of the District.

Mr Kwame Ampofo Tumasi, District Chief Executive, announced this at Fiema at a one-day workshop on the importance of eco-tourism and its positive impact on development.

It was organised by the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) to educate the people on the promotion, management and maintenance of eco-tourist centres, to enhance the development of the communities.

In a speech read for him, the DCE commended the people of the two villages for their unity and co-operation, which he said had enabled them to preserve the sanctuary.

Mr Ampofo-Twumasi paid special tribute to the forefathers of the twin communities for their foresight in creating the sanctuary, "which has now become a tourist attraction."

Mr Francis Tapena, Acting Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board, emphasised that with tourism becoming the third national income earner, the government was determined to promote all tourist centres.

He described the sanctuary as a "gold mine" for the people and urged them to ensure its regular maintenance to boost tourism in the area.

He urged the youth to engage in vocations to benefit from the influx of tourists, through the sale of their products.

Mr Emmanuel Yeboah, Kintampo District Forestry Officer, advised the people against encroaching on the habitat of the monkeys, as that would limit their freedom.

He cautioned them against practices that could cause deforestation and urged them to monitor the activities of timber operators to check the indiscriminate felling of trees.