Stories and facts
Situated in the Boaben and Fiema twin communities, approximately 22 kilometres from Ghana's Nkoranza North District in the Bono East region, lies the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of 4.4 square kilometres, this forest was established in the 1970s and plays a vital role in preserving various species, including trees, birds, reptiles, deer, and monkeys, with a particular focus on the protection of the Geoffrey's Pied Colobus and Campbell Mona monkey.
The roots of the sanctuary's foundation can be traced back to 1971 when a concerned citizen named Mr D. K Akowuah sought full protection for this unique place. With the support of the Department of Game and Wildlife, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary gained official recognition in 1975, with Mr D.K Akowuah serving as the Officer-in-Charge until 1991. The sanctuary was officially designated in 1974 to safeguard the monkey population living in the small patch of semi-deciduous forest between the villages of Boabeng and Fiema, separated by a 1-kilometre distance in the Nkoranza District. Two significant monkey species inhabit the area: Lowe's mona, with an estimated population of around 400 individuals forming troops of 15–50 animals, and black-and-white colobus, totalling 200 animals in 13 troops, rarely seen outside the true forest. There have been unverified reports of other monkey species like green, patas, spot-nosed, and Diana monkeys, but the sanctuary undoubtedly supports a diverse array of birds and butterflies.
The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary holds deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting the values of African tradition. Its origin dates back to the discovery of a fetish called Daworo by Nana Kwabena Amoah of Boabeng, accompanied by two sacred monkeys named "Kwakuo" and "Efoo." An oracle declared them as Daworo's children, making them sacred and forbidding any harm or killing of the monkeys.
With around 700 monkeys residing there, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary showcases a remarkable coexistence between humans and primates. The villagers demonstrate their respect by leaving food for the monkeys outside their homes, fostering a sense of mutual belonging. Traditional laws are in place to protect the monkeys, making the sanctuary a popular national tourist attraction with easy road accessibility.
The ownership of both the land and monkeys lies with Nana Boabeng Hene, and the sanctuary encompasses all the villages within its territory. The monkeys are revered, and when they pass away, they receive a burial conducted by the Fetish Priest of Daworo. According to local beliefs, the black-and-white colobus monkeys' unusual noises between 11:00 pm and midnight signify the imminent death of an elderly person from the twin villages.
Tourists can arrange guided walks at the visitor centre near the forest entrance. The village itself offers the best opportunity to observe monkeys up close, as the mona monkeys, despite being shy, are approachable and spend time on the ground, providing enriching interactions. The more reticent colobus monkeys tend to remain in the trees but still offer captivating views with their graceful leaps between branches, showcasing their distinctive white tails. For more extensive exploration, visitors can opt for longer guided walks along various footpaths spanning about 10 kilometres in the village, where they can encounter a diverse range of birds, butterflies, and even a colossal mahogany tree believed to be over 150 years old. The sanctuary entrance also offers local honey for purchase, along with a crafts shop.
In the future, ensuring sustained cooperation among local communities, governmental agencies, and international organizations will be crucial to safeguarding the sanctuary and the welfare of its primate residents in the long run. Taking proactive measures to tackle challenges and endorsing responsible tourism and conservation practices will enable the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary to remain a symbol of optimism, demonstrating how humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.
