Kumasi Zoo Won’t Be Relocated- Asantehene

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has assured the Forestry Commission that the Kumasi Zoological Garden (Kumasi Zoo) will remain at its present location.

His Majesty at a meeting with the 11-member Board of Directors of the Commission said he had no plans of taking back his land immediately to warrant such an action.

This was in response to a call by the Board Chairman, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, for His Majesty’s intervention in plans by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amokohene, to relocate the zoo to Bosomtwe, citing urbanisation.

The Board Chairman expressed opposition to the idea saying the tourist attraction was raking much revenue for the state due to high patronage.

He alluded to the 2023 Tourism Report which ranked the zoo fourth most-visited site in Ghana with an impressive 142,518 tourists.

Pleading for the intervention of the King, he said it would be rather profitable to invest in the site.

Encroachment
Another issue of concern to Prof. Oteng-Ababio was the encroachment of their land at Ahodwo.

He said intruders had launched an attack on the land and undertaking illegal logging.

Threat to Barekese Dam
Citing a recent drone shot of the forest around the Barekese Dam, the leader expressed concern about the rate of depletion and its impact on the Dam which supplies water to the entire Ashanti region.

“The forest in the catchment area is being destroyed to the detriment of the water which serves the region. People have started illegally mining in the forest. Please intervene to stop it. Please engage the sub chiefs to stop giving the lands out.”

The courtesy visit on July 11, 2025, was purposely to introduce the Board members to the King.

They are Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission; Kumbun Na Yiri II, National House of Chiefs Representative; Richard Duah Nsenkyire, Timber Trade & Industry Representative; Tetteh-Hey Omani Osae, Wildlife Trade Industry Representative; and Dr. Abubakari Nantogmah Attah, Esq., Ghana Institute of Professional Foresters Representative.

Also included are Dominic Kwasi Nyanzu, NGO Representative; Surv. Raphael Hokey, Esq., Lands Commission Representative; Brig Gen (Rtd) Dr. Albert Kabenlah Adu, Financial & Managerial Expert; Nana Kojo Toku, Member; and Hon. Mavis Kukuaa Bissue, MP (Ahanta West Constituency), a Board Member.

Otumfuo in his remarks expressed his confidence in the abilities of the appointees.

“Your expertise is impressive, and your appointment to the Board is a valuable asset. I’m confident you’ll deliver.”

Be Outspoken
His Majesty highlighted the motivation behind the designation of forest reserves backed by stringent laws during the colonial era, comparing it faring in the olden days to the current age with regard to mining.

Otumfuo suggested that the Board fights for the necessary powers to assert its authority effectively.

“Be proactive in asserting your authority to challenge leases in sensitive areas. As custodians of the country’s well-being, protect it vigorously. Be bold to speak against government actions and decisions that threaten forests.

“This is what you have been employed to do. Fight to get the needed authority to oppose what needs to be opposed. Engage actively in mining lease matters and collaborate with relevant agencies like the Minerals Commission to maximize impact.”

Zoo Remains
With regard to the zoo, Otumfuo stated that it will remain in 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.”

Affirming his satisfaction with the tourist site within the heart of Kumasi, Otumfuo recollected how he donated some camels he received as gifts from Libya to the zoo and stated that he will donate any other animal he gets as a present.

Directive
The King delivered an order for Otumfuo Apagyahene, Nana Owusu Afriyie II, to safeguard the land of the Commission.

“Apagyahene must delve into this issue and make sure no one goes close to the land.”

Reafforestation
The Asantehene pointed out potential opportunities arising from the country’s deforestation challenges.

“There are teeming unemployed youth in the country. We can employ them to undertake reafforestation in the depleted forests. If galamsey pays, reafforestation must pay too.”

Otumfuo is willing to go the extreme mile of guaranteeing a proposal to the World Bank for a grant to undertake the large-scale reafforestation exercise.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/