The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has assured management of the Forestry Commission that the Kumasi Zoological Garden will not be relocated from its present location opposite the Kejetia market.
His assurance comes after Board Chairperson of the commission raised concerns over plans by the Ashanti Regional Minister to relocate the Zoo to the Bosomtwe district.
Leading a 11-member Board of Directors at the commission to the Manhyia Palace, Prof. Martin Oteng -Ababio noted that the regional minister had cited growing urbanization as reason to move the zoo to the outskirts of the city centre.
But Prof Oteng-Ababio argues its current location is ideal for high patronage as it is raking in more revenue for the commission to bolster the country’s economy.
In a response for his intervention, the Asantehene indicated that he has no plans of taking back the demarcated land immediately to warrant such actions.
Otumfuo emphatically noted that the zoo will remain at its present location.
“I have not said anywhere that I need my land back. The zoo will remain at its present location. If any relocation plan comes up, I will take that decision in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders. A decision like this cannot be imposed by an individual. Right now, I am not anticipating retaking the land so it will remain to be decided,” he said.
Located in the heart of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, the Zoo was established in 1951 and opened in 1957.
It serves as a sanctuary for various species of animals and aims to promote conservation and education about wildlife.
The zoo occupies a 1.5-square-kilometre (370-acre) area between the Kejetia market, the Race course market and the Kumasi Centre for National Culture.
The Asantehene further ordered the Apagyahene, Nana Owusu Afriyie II, to safeguard the land for the Commission.
“Apagyahene must delve into this issue and make sure no one goes close to the land,” he emphasized.
Affirming his satisfaction with the present location of Zoo, Otumfuo recollected how he donated some camels he had received as gifts from Libya to the zoo.
He indicated that he would donate any other animal he gets as a present to the facility.
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