Fiema (B/A), March 02, GNA - Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has commended the chiefs and people of Fiema in the Nkoranza District for protecting the monkey sanctuary in the area.

He was addressing the chiefs and people of the 10 communities that serve as the canopy of the sanctuary at their first festival in memory of their ancestors and also to promote unity and cooperation. Mr. Baffour-Awuah said the government, in appreciation of the resources from the sanctuary, had awarded the road leading from Nkoranza through Tanko to Boabeng and Fiema on contract for tarring to facilitate the movement of the people and tourists to the sanctuary. Mr. James Kwabena Appiah-Awuah, the District Chief Executive, said the assembly had plans to open an additional police station in the district and appealed to the people to act as watchdogs to check poachers.

Mr. Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, the Member of Parliament for Nkoranza South, presented 10 footballs and a trophy to be competed for among football clubs in the communities.

Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, Omanhene of Nkoranza Traditional Area who presided and named the festival "Mmoa no nti festival", said it would be celebrated in February every year, rotating through the 10 communities.

He said the sacred animals had lived happily with the people in the area for more than 306 years and cautioned the youth against indulging in activities that would drive away the animals. An appeal for funds yielded 50 million cedis.