Boabeng (B/A), Nov 14, GNA- Monkeys at the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, near Nkoranza in Brong-Ahafo can live up to 65 years unless they die through unnatural causes.

Mr. Daniel Kwaku Akowuah, founder of the Sanctuary said this when some members of staff of the Nkoranza Secondary/Technical School visited the Sanctuary.

He said a research conducted by the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi came out with the finding.

Mr. Akowuah said the Sanctuary, established 28 years ago, has a population of nearly 1,000 monkeys of the monna and black and white species. He said the main cause of the deaths of the animals was when they accidentally fall from the trees.

Mr. Akowuah said any animal found dead in the forest was buried at a special cemetery inside the Sanctuary.

Mr. Akowuah mentioned lack of a health facility, places of convenience, social amenities and poor road network from the twin town to Nkoranza as some of the problems in the area.

He appealed to the Government to use part of the proceeds from tourists to the Sanctuary to provide social amenities for the Sanctuary.

Mr. Stephen Gbogbor Ahiamadia, Biology tutor of the school, called on the Government and NGOs to arrange for food items for the people as the monkeys consume food crops cultivated in the area.