Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly plans to upgrade Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary to modern eco-tourism site to boost revenue generation
The Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly is considering plans to transform the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary into a modern eco-tourism site aimed at fostering development within the Duasidan Community, enhancing tourist attraction, and increasing revenue generation for the Assembly.
During a visit to the site with officials from the Wildlife Division in the Bono Region, the Dormaa Central Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dominic Adoma Ameyaw, expressed the Assembly’s vision for upgrading the Monkey Sanctuary. Proposed enhancements include the addition of a canopy walk, the construction of a guest house or hotel to accommodate tourists, the establishment of a restaurant offering local and continental dishes, and the fencing of the entire reserve to prevent encroachment by local residents.
Furthermore, he revealed that as part of the Assembly’s initiative to revitalize the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary, a Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound has been established to provide healthcare services to visitors who may experience illness or require medical attention upon their arrival at the tourist site.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) announced that, in addition to upgrading the Monkey Sanctuary, the Assembly is also focused on constructing the road from Dormaa Ahenkro to Duasidan to facilitate easier access to the tourist site. He took this opportunity to urge private investors to support the Assembly in undertaking this significant project, emphasizing that well-invested hospitality and tourism can yield substantial benefits.
Dr. Polycab, the Regional Manager of the Wildlife Division for Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo, stated that his office will support the Assembly’s initiatives by implementing enrichment planting. This will involve the introduction of indigenous species that are environmentally compatible and can also provide sustenance for wildlife, thereby mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Furthermore, he indicated that they will collaborate with various stakeholders to facilitate the renaming of trees within the reserved forests that are home to the monkeys. Additionally, they will provide training for tour guides, focusing on fundamental tour guiding skills and record-keeping, to enhance the overall management of the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary.