Kumasi Zoo upgrades facilities to attract more tourists

A ceremony to mark the official commencement of work on a GH¢190,000.00 restaurant with car park and a landscape, at the Kumasi Zoological Gardens has been performed.

The project is a joint venture by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and Bentronic Productions, an agro-chemical company.

It is expected to be ready within 12 months.

Professor John Owusu Addo, Chairman of the Zoo’s Advisory Board, said they are determined to collaborate with corporate bodies and individuals to upgrade the zoo to attract both international and domestic tourists.

He said given the strategic location and history, it could bring in more revenue with the proper attention and support.

Established in 1958, an average of 60,000 visitors, are received by the Zoo, a wildlife facility, annually and this figure, Prof Addo said could be significantly increased through expansion of the infrastructure to accommodate more endangered species.

Animals found there include those in the cat family (lions and hyenas), monkeys, an eagle and other birds, snakes, crocodiles, porcupines, an elephant, donkeys and camels.

Prof Addo expressed concern about the rate at which some rare animal species are becoming extinct due to the growing destruction of the nation’s forest – their habitat.

He gave high marks to the company for its concern for wildlife issues and the support towards improving conditions at the Zoo.

Dr. Bernard Kwasi Dwomoh, Managing Director of the Company, called for strong public/private partnership to protect the country’s wildlife.

He said there should be no illusion about the significant contribution the sector could make to the economy, if the right investment is put into it as being done by many of the East African nations.

He said he is confident that the project on completion would help boost the Zoo’s internally-generated funds (IGF) for its effective management.

Source: GNA