Rawlings calls for consultation in settlement of Chimpanzees

Accra (Greater Accra), 26th November 99 -

President Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday directed the Minister of Lands and Forestry to initiate consultations with the relevant bodies and concerned groups on the proposed project by the U.S.-based organisation, Friends of the Earth, to settle a number of chimpanzees in the Volta Region.

The animals have been used for experiments in the United States and their settlement in the country has met with objections from sections of the public.

An official statement issued by Nana Opoku Acheampong, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, said the traditional authorities would be part of the consultations, which would also cover the review of the environmental impact assessment of the project.

It said the outcome of the consultations and the appropriate recommendations are to be submitted to the office of the president within the next three weeks."