The Governing Board of the Forestry Commission (FC) has undertaken a field visit to the Sakumo Ramsar Site to explore its potential for ecotourism development and to assess the extent of encroachment threatening the Protected Area. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Commission to promote sustainable management and utilisation of Ghana’s wetland resources.
The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Joseph Boakye Esq., Executive Director of the Wildlife Division (WD); Mr. Eric Atta Kusi, Manager of Wetlands, WD; Mr. Paul Asimeng, Site Manager of the Sakumo Ramsar Site; and officers from the Rapid Response Team (RTT).
The tour commenced at the Site’s Administrative Office, where the Board inspected a newly refurbished accommodation facility for the RTT. The facility, developed under the directive of the Chief Executive, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, is intended to ensure the RTT is permanently stationed at the Site to enhance protection against encroachment.
During the tour, the Board visited key areas within the core zone, including a viewing tower overlooking the Sakumo Lagoon, a picnic station, bird-nesting site, and a resting area for fisherfolk. Noting the deteriorated condition of the viewing tower, the Board proposed its reconstruction. Commissioner Richard Duah Nsenkyire, representing the Timber Industry on the FC Board, pledged to donate all the wood required for the construction of the new structure.
The Board also recommended the modernisation of the picnic and fisherfolk resting areas and suggested the introduction of user fees to attract visitors while generating additional revenue for the Commission.
A drive-through assessment of the buffer and core zones followed, during which members evaluated the boundaries and the extent of encroachment.
Measures will be put in place, not only to curb encroachment but also position the Sakumo Ramsar Site as a model for eco-friendly tourism and community engagement in wetland conservation.
