Takoradi, Oct. 9, GNA -The Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) has designated the Monkey Hill Forest Area and a nearby wetland in Takoradi as an eco-tourism Zone.

Mr Don Kris Mevuta, Executive Director of Friends of the Nation, a Non-governmental organisation managing the zone, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Monday. He said the NGO has launched an educational programme to halt deforestation, poaching of monkeys and other animals as well as degrading and encroachment at the zone. Mr Mevuta said a biological survey of animals and plants at the zone has been undertaken and three species of monkey have been identified including the Olive Columbus, which is a threatened specie. He said the public was being educated on the benefits of eco-tourism and to desist from poaching the monkeys and other animals to enable them reproduce.

Mr Mevuta said New Takoradi, a community near the zone was being encouraged to revive festivals to support the eco-tourism project and advised pedestrians and people who visit the zone to refrain from littering the area.