Accra, Feb. 11, GNA - The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with=

its development partners, is to undertake a Lions Project in the Shai Hil= ls to serve as a game reserve. The project, initiated by African Lion and Environmental Research Tr= ust (ALERT), is proposing the development of a national species management pl= an for the African Lion (Panthera Leo) within Ghana to include re-introducti= on of the species into appropriate areas in the country identified for their=

protection.

Estimates of lion population within Ghana have proposed that only 15= -20 lions currently reside in the country, possibly fragmented between three of its national parks, Mole, Bui and Digya. Mrs. Zita Okai-Koi, the Minister of Tourism who addressed a meeting of chiefs and people in the area at Dodowa on Wednesday, said the government=

had secured their consent to establish the project. She urged the chiefs to take into consideration the benefits of the project to the community, not only to provide employment for the youth bu= t also to generate revenue for development.

Mr. Kobby Acheampong, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, said the Shai Hills was suitable for the project with regard to the good road network, is not far from Accra and the caves would accommodate the animals. He said the project could be used for research since the area in the=

past was a sanctuary for wildlife. Nene Tetteh Apperton III, Chief of Dodowa, expressed appreciation fo= r the project and said it would assist them to improve their living standar= ds.