The Board of Commissioners at the Forestry Commission (FC) led by the Chairman, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, toured the Accra Zoo to inspect ongoing works and new developments put in place to ensure tourists get to enjoy once the zoo is re-opened.
The Zoo was shut down in August 2022, after an intruder was attacked and killed by the lions at the zoo. Before the incident, renovations were ongoing to intensify security systems and to provide more facilities to ensure the comfort of visitors and also make the Zoo more interesting and exciting.
He highlighted some latest developments of the Zoo and took the Board on a tour to see for themselves. He informed the Board that, zebras and bush bucks will be brought from Shai Hills Resource Reserve to the Zoo and cages have been constructed to receive the animals.
Mr. Stephen Dunia Tamanja, the manager of the zoo, led the Board to inspect several works that have been done in the past months and explained that, a lot of efforts have been put in place to ensure the general outlook of the Zoo is more appealing to tourists.
In addition to the new cages, the management of the Zoo has created new visitors lounge with benches. Also, labels on cages have been boldly done, street lights have been placed on all access routes, bold signages with clear instructions have been placed at vantage points, wider and higher cages and two iron gates have been constructed to intensify security in the Zoo.
The Board of Commissioners were excited with the latest developmental works at the Zoo and congratulated the Chief Executive, management and staff for their efforts.
Incident That led To Closure Of The Zoo
The Forestry Commission in August 2022, confirmed that a man who reportedly jumped into the lion enclosure at the Accra zoo was attacked and killed by a lion and pronounced dead.
According to the Forestry Commission, the intruder was spotted around the premises on Sunday August 28, at about 12 noon, after he managed to scale the zoo’s security fence.
Wildlife authorities suspected that he may have planned to steal two rare white lion cubs which have become a big draw since their birth last year November.
The Accra Zoo has since been closed to the public following the incident that left many Ghanaians in shock.
In a related development, the Board of Commissioners had an interactive meeting with the Executive Management Team (EMT) of FC.
The Chief Executive, Mr. John Allotey stated that, the Commission has a very proficient EMT that supports him in discharging his duties as Chief Executive. He added that, the EMT is blessed with experienced members who contribute to write reports, CE’s Brief, among others.
Mr Allotey, as a liaison between the EMT and the Board coordinates the ideas from EMT and submits to the Board. He, therefore, sees it as a good idea for the Board to meet with EMT, the first time ever in the history of the Commission.
The Chairman of the Board, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, expressed that the meeting between the two parties is a good one because he believed EMT does all the work and, therefore, it was necessary for the Board to meet, listen, and discuss pertinent issues in managing the affairs of the Commission.
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