Ankasa (Western Region) 28 March 2000

The Ankara National Park , one of the last virgin forests in the country is being shaped into a multi purpose entity to provide Eco-tourism services. The project, to be undertaken with emphasis on community involvement, will cost six million dollars and will be funded the European Union. Known as the Nini-Subien National Park and Ankasa Resource Reserve, the twin wildlife resource, will undergo conversion under the Protected Areas Development Programme initiated by the government. Mr Moses Kofi Sam, Project co-ordinator, speaking with the Ghana News Agency on Saturday explained that the project would enable Ghana to fully protect her last stock of flora and fauna. He said the first phase of the programme, expected to end this March, will enable people who live at the periphery of the park to acquire basic skills as well as give training to the staff of the wildlife division. He said staffing would be strengthened at the Park to prevent poaching. A Senior Wildlife Officer, Mr Michael Abedi-Lartey who is in-charge of the Ankasa Reserve, complained of poaching by established timber firms and individuals saying " as timber contractors try to log from the forest, individuals also want to hunt for animals."