General News of Monday, 13 March 2006

Source: GNA

Paga Pond crocodiles attack film crew

Accra, March 13, GNA - Crocodiles at the Paga Pond in the Upper East Region last Thursday attacked a crew filming a documentary for the Environment Film Festival in Accra. Crew from Creative Storm was attacked while filming the documentary directed by Mr Kwesi Owusu, according to a statement issued in Accra by the crew. It said Mr Alhassan Yidana, a tourist guide, suffered deep cuts on his legs and he was rushed to hospital. "It was like a scene from the film Jaws," the statement said. "Unusually, several crocodiles came out of the pond when we arrived late afternoon.

"The guide said this was because we were good people. We had also been asked to buy chickens for them so I knew the crocodiles were not vegetarians. Suddenly, all hell broke loose as we filmed close-ups. The crocodiles charged from the pond, tails rattling furiously, jaws wide open in what seemed like a coordinated attack," Mr Owusu said. "The guide fell, struggling in the pond as a crocodile grabbed his leg. I ran for my life. Later another guide told us the crocodiles must have been simply hungry."

Creative Storm said the dramatic attack was filmed and would feature in the film "Music Comes from the Soul of the Land" to be premiered at the Environment Film Festival of Accra.