The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, Mr John Allotey has said, plans are underway to establish the nation's third zoological garden in Takoradi in the Western region. Mr Allotey said, the Commission is in talks with the Lands Commission to do the necessary paperwork to establish it. With the establishment of the Takoradi Zoo, it will add to the nation's current two Zoological gardens found in Accra and Kumasi. Mr Allotey disclosed this over the weekend on the occasion to reopen the Kumasi Zoological Garden which was closed down in 2020. The Kumasi Zoo, established in 1951 and opened in 1957 by the Asanteman Council to conserve nature and display indigenous wild animals in Ghana, was closed down to pave way for renovation works. While indicating the aim of the renovation exercise as a way of making the Zoo more spacious, serene and attractive to attract more tourists, Mr Allotey said, management is also constructing a clinic for the animals to be taken care of by veterinary doctors. He disclosed that the doors of the zoo, have been opened for students who want to study as well as researchers who want to conduct research. Dr Meyir Y. Ziekah, the Manager of the Kumasi Zoological Garden said the centre has 196 animals comprising 54 indigenous species like Antelope, Chimpanzee, Lion, Crocodile, porcupine among others.
Tape being cut to open the refurbished Kumasi zoo
He said, management is also planning to add exotic species like Zebras to the indigenous species. While calling on people to visit the renovated centre, he urged them to adhere to the coronavirus protocols when visiting. Nana Adu Mensah Asare, the Chief Of Amakom who deputised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the occasion said, the Zoo was established by the Asanteman Council to preserve the culture and heritage of Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.