The Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary, nestled within the Dormaa Municipality of the Bono Region in Ghana, holds immense potential as a driver of eco-tourism and economic growth. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of investment and development. Caretakers of the sanctuary, concerned about its declining patronage and the well-being of the monkeys, have issued an urgent call for government intervention and private sector investment to transform the sanctuary into a thriving tourist destination. They argue that such investment would not only generate revenue for the nation and create employment opportunities for locals but also elevate the sanctuary’s status as a source of pride and recognition for the community. Their plea coincides with Ghana’s Heritage Month, a celebration aimed at showcasing the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting sites like the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary.
The caretakers highlight the sanctuary’s current state of neglect, citing the absence of basic amenities such as washrooms, summer huts, and recreational facilities. These deficiencies, they argue, contribute to the dwindling number of visitors, impacting the potential economic benefits the sanctuary could offer. They envision a transformed sanctuary equipped with modern facilities that cater to the needs of tourists, providing a comfortable and engaging experience for visitors while also generating revenue for the sanctuary’s upkeep and the local community. The development of the sanctuary aligns with the spirit of Heritage Month, promoting local tourism and showcasing Ghana’s unique natural attractions.
Beyond infrastructure development, the caretakers also emphasize the crucial role of proper management in ensuring the sanctuary’s success. They believe that effective management practices, combined with investment in infrastructure, would not only enhance the visitor experience but also create job opportunities for the local community. This, in turn, would contribute to the economic development of the region and help alleviate poverty. The caretakers envision a future where the sanctuary becomes a self-sustaining entity, generating revenue to cover its operational costs and contributing to the local economy, all while preserving the natural habitat of the monkeys.
A significant concern raised by the caretakers is the dwindling food supply for the monkeys. They report increasing difficulty in obtaining bananas, ripe plantains, cassava, and other fruits that constitute the monkeys’ primary diet. This scarcity forces the caretakers to witness the distressing sight of hungry monkeys, particularly the younger ones. They are appealing for support to secure a consistent and adequate food supply to ensure the health and well-being of the primate population. The caretakers understand that the monkeys’ well-being is paramount to the sanctuary’s success as a tourist attraction.
The deplorable condition of the Dormaa-Ahenkro-Duasidan road presents another significant obstacle to the sanctuary’s growth. The caretakers point out that the poor road conditions discourage visitors, further hindering the sanctuary’s potential to attract tourists and generate revenue. They appeal to the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of this vital road link, emphasizing its importance not only for the sanctuary but also for the overall development of the region. Improved road access would facilitate easier transportation for tourists, boosting visitor numbers and contributing to the economic prosperity of the area.
In summary, the caretakers of the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary are advocating for a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the sanctuary, encompassing infrastructure development, proper management, ensuring a reliable food supply for the monkeys, and improving road access. They believe that these interventions will not only transform the sanctuary into a thriving eco-tourism destination but also contribute significantly to the local economy and provide much-needed job opportunities. Their appeal serves as a reminder of the potential that lies within Ghana’s natural heritage and the importance of investing in its preservation and development for the benefit of both present and future generations. They urge the government to recognize the sanctuary’s potential and allocate the necessary resources to unlock its economic and cultural value. The caretakers’ vision is not just about preserving a natural habitat but also about building a sustainable future for the community and showcasing Ghana’s rich biodiversity to the world. They believe that with the right investment and management, the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary can become a beacon of eco-tourism in the region, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and fostering a deeper appreciation for its natural heritage.
