Ghana's Parks and Nature Reserves
Ghana's Parks and Nature Reserves play an integral role in the country's ecotourism treasures. Though impacted by man in many areas, there are still large tracts of land that remain relatively untouched. In those areas where man and nature must coexist, wildlife officials closely monitor the effect of human activities. Prudent management of these precious resources ensure their existence for future generations to enjoy. The preservation of habitat is a priority of the Wildlife Service.
Ankasa Conservation Area
The Ankasa Conservation Area is located in the extreme southwest corner of the country, approximately 325 km from Accra . The area lies between latitudes 5 degrees 10 minutes and 5 degrees 25 minutes north and longitudes 2 degrees 32 minutes and 2 degrees 45 minutes west. It is situated in the territory of the Jomoro District Assembly. Using biological criteria, Ankasa is probably the single most important protected area in Ghana . Biodiversity, measured by flora indicators, has shown that Ankasa has the highest plant diversity in the entire country. The northern portion of the area has not been commercially timbered so it is one of the few untouched parcels of tropical forest left standing in the country. The vegetation is pristine Guinea savannah with gallery forests along the rivers and streams. The area is still largely unexplored but 43 mammal species have been recorded, including bongo, forest elephant, 10 primate species including the endemic Diana monkey and endangered West African chimpanzee. The rich bird fauna includes parrots and hornbills as well as the rare white-fronted guinea fowl.
Bia Conservation Area
The Bia Conservation Area, covering 305 sq km, is located in the north-western corner of the Western Region of Ghana. Bia extends from latitudes 6 degrees 20 minutes to 6 degrees 40 minutes north and longitudes 3 degrees 0 minutes to 3 degrees 10 minutes west. It is located in the territory of the Juabeso Bia District Assembly. This 300km2 forest reserve, composed of a National Park and a Resource Reserve, is an International Biosphere Reserve Park . The reserve is situated in the transition between the moist evergreen and semi-deciduous tropical forest. The 62 species of mammals known are typical of undisturbed forest and include 10 primates, (including 3 species of colobus), chimpanzee, forest elephant and the highly threatened bongo. Over 160 species of birds including the threatened white-breasted guinea fowl live in this habitat.
Kakum Conservation Area
Kakum National Park is located in the Central Region approximately 35 kilometers north of Cape Coast . Kakum lies between latitudes 5 degrees 20 minutes and 5 degrees 40 minutes north and longitudes 1 degree 30 minutes and 1 degree 51 minutes west. It is located in the territory of the Twifo Heman Lower Denkyera and Assin District Assemblies. The conservation area consists of the Kakum National Park and the Assin Attandanso Resource Reserve which cover 210 and 150 sq. km. respectively. The emergent trees are exceptionally high with some reaching 65 metres. The reserve has a varied wildlife with some 40 species of larger mammals, including elephant, bongo, red river hog, 7 primates and 4 squirrels. Bird life is varied, and includes over 200 known species. These inclide 5 spectacular hornbill species, Frazer-eagle owl, African grey and Senegal parrots. To date over 550 species of butterflies have been recorded. Walking trails, viewing platforms and a visitor centre are established. Kakum hosts the highest numbers of visitors of all Ghana parks with over 80,000 in 2002. It has received several international awards for sustainable tourism in recent years. Kakum has benefited from funding and considerable international attention as part of a current initiative within the Wildlife Division.
Bui National Park
Bui National Park straddles the Black Volta River at the border of Brong Ahafo and Northern regions. The park is centred on latitude 8 degrees 13 minutes north and longitude 2 degrees 23 minutes west. It covers 1,820 sq km.of the Wenchi and Bole District Assemblies. The park is the third largest in the country after Mole National Park and Digya National Park . The vegetation is typical savannah woodland with gallery forest along river courses. It is known in particular for the resident hippo population in the Black Volta River , though a number of primates and antelope species are present, along with a great variety of birds.
Digya National Park
Digya National Park is the second largest wildlife protected area in Ghana . It is located on the border of Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions and is centred on latitude 7 degrees 25 minutes north and longitude 0 degrees 17 minutes west. It lies in the territory of the Sekyere East and Sene District Assemblies. Digya is the only wildlife area in the country that lies on the shores of Lake Volta – the largest water body in the country. As such it is the best location for the protection and study of the West African manatee. The park has beautiful landscapes with undulating terrain, sandstone inselbergs and scenic islands in the lake and covers 3,478 sq km of undulating terrain. Guinea savannah woodland predominates with gallery forest along major drainage lines. The park supports at least six primate species including black and white colobus, elephant and a variety of antelopes, Manatee and clawless otter are also reported to be present. 
Kyabobo Range National Park
Kyabobo Range National Park is Ghana 's newest national park area. Located in the northern end of the Volta Region, the park lies on the border with the Republic of Togo . The park is centred on latitude 8 degrees 20 minutes north and longitude 0 degrees 35 minutes east. It covers 340 sq km of the Nkwanta District Assembly territory. Kyabobo is situated in Ghana 's highest mountain range with a resulting unique set of ecosystems different from all other wildlife areas in the country. Its location is such that it can be eventually be linked to the Fazao-Malfacassa National Park in neighbouring Togo . This has not been finalised yet but it is expected to be completed in the coming years. An interesting variety of mammals occur, such as lion, elephants, leopard, buffalo, four primates and several antelope species. The range of hills rises to 750m and the many waterfalls lend scenic interest to the area.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is the largest and best known major wildlife area in Ghana . The park is situated between latitudes 9 degrees 10 minutes and 10 degrees 10 minutes north and longitudes 1 degree 30 minutes and 2 degrees 15 minutes west. It is located in the territory of the West Gonja and Bole District Assemblies. The park is very popular with tourists visiting northern Ghana , as it is the best location to view elephant and a wide selection of other wildlife species under relaxing circumstances. It is also the only protected area in the country with an overnight guest facility within the boundary. Mole National Park represents a fairly undisturbed Guinea savanna ecosystem. Human impact has largely been limited to annual burning of vegetation, localised farming and collection of fruits and firewood. The park has over 90 mammal species notably elephant, buffalo, roan antelope, kob, hartebeest, waterbuck and four primate species. Lion, leopard and hyena also occur and over 300 bird species have been recorded. A motel for visitors is available at the Headquarters.
Gbele Resource Reserve
Gbele Resource Reserve is the northern-most wildlife protected area in Ghana . It is situated in the Upper West Region between latitudes 10 degrees 22 minutes and 10 degrees 44 minutes north and longitudes 2 degrees 03 minutes and 2 degrees 17 minutes west. It covers part of the territority of the Wa, Nadowli and Tumu Districts. The reserve is bisected by the Kulpawn River which flows in the rainy season but dries up, forming pools from January to June. The reserve is a reasonably undisturbed sample of Guinea savanna ecosystems. The dominant vegetation type is open savanna woodland with a grass layer that can reach up to 3 meters in height during the rainy season and which is burnt off almost every year. Narrow banks of riverine forest approximately 20 meters wide grow along the Kulpawn River and its tributaries. The faunal elements are similar to Mole National Park though the reserve area is particularly famous for its large population of the majestic roan antelope.
Kalakpa Resource Reserve
Kalakpa Resource Reserve is in the Volta Region. It is situated just south of the regional capital of Ho at latitude 6 degrees 25 minutes north and longitude 0 degrees 25 minutes east. It lies entirely in the territory of the Ho District Assembly. The reserve is drained by the Kalakpa River and tributaries flow in the rainy season, but dry up from January to May each year. The reserve has three main vegetation types: savanna woodland, riverine forests and hilltop vegetation. Within the savanna woodland, four distinct sub-communities have been identified. The riverine forest is narrow bands approximately 20 metres wide along the major rivers and streams. An interesting combination of dry forestand short grassland savanna is found on the hilltops. Spanning 320 sq km, the reserve features extensive growths of Borassus palms. To date 19 species of mammals - including buffalo, several duikers, kob and others have been sighted.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve
Shai Hills Resource Reserve is situated on the Accra plains approximately 50 km from the capital city of Accra . The reserve is centred on longitude 0 degree 05 minutes east and latitude 5 degrees 55 minutes north, in the territory of the Dangbe West District Assembly. Established in 1976 it covers 49 sq km. Granite-covered hills rising over 290m, and covered by unique dry-evergreen forest, dominate the reserve. Kob, bushbuck and oribi can be seen along with 3 primate species and a large colony of bats occupying a cave. The bird life is rich with over 160 species, including ground hornbills, bustards and parrots. Trails cross the hills and offer superb views. Shai Hills is the perfect location for a day trip from Accra . It combines wildlife viewing with rich cultural and archaeological points of interest. The most important traditional religious shrines of the Shai people are located within the reserve and numerous historic archaeological digs and remains can be visited on the hillsides.
Kogyae Nature Reserve
Kogyae Nature Reserve is the only strict nature reserve in Ghana . It is situated in the Ashanti Region on longitude 1 degree 05 minutes west and latitude 7 degrees 15 minutes north. It covers part of the territority of the Sekyere District Assembly. The reserve is located in rolling hills that rise to 215 metres above sea level in the middle portion of the protected area. The area is well drained by a host of rivers and streams which stop flowing during the dry season, leaving only the Afram River as the main source of water for wild animals. Among the 26 species of mammals listed are buffalo, 5 primate species and a variety of forest and savannah antelopes; elephants are occasional visitors to the reserve. To date 85 species of birds have been recorded.
Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary
The Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest wildlife protected area in Ghana . It is centred on latitude 7 degrees 10 minutes north and longitude 0 degree 35 minutes east in the Volta Region. The sanctuary lies on the international border with Togo , in the Hohoe District. The sanctuary is home to the famous Wli Waterfalls. The reserve covers 3 sq km of secondary forest and fallow vegetation in old farms. The range of hills, steep cliffs and the spectacular Wli falls, where water cascades over a 400 metre cliff, present a wonderful setting. An enormous colony of fruit bats are resident on the cliffs and their massed departures from their roosts can be witnessed in the evening. The walk to the falls is about 45 minutes from the town through woods and streams, with sturdy wooden footbridges crossing a meandering creek at eight different points on route to the waterfall. The mountain from which the water flows is part of the Akwapim-Togo range.
Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is a famous example of traditional wildlife conservation in Ghana . It is situated in the Brong Ahafo Region centred on latitude 7 degrees 43 minutes north and longitude 1 degree 42 minutes west. The sanctuary lies in the Nkoranza District and has an area of 5 sq km. The people of the villages of Boabeng and Fiema revere the monkeys of the sacred grove. This small sanctuary of 4.4 sq km was established in 1974 to help local communities protect the resident black and white Colobus and Mona monkeys which are important to their cultural beliefs. Traditional beliefs in both communities prohibit physical harm to the monkeys. The monkeys are habituated to humans and large groups are seen easily in the forest and within Boabeng village itself. They freely visit the communities, even entering people's houses to snatch food from kitchens.The butterfly fauna is unusually rich.
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a small wildlife area located just 65 km east of the city of Kumasi and centred on latitude 6 degrees 57 minutes north and longitude 1 degree 10 minutes west. The sanctuary, which is located in the Kumawu Traditional Area, was established because of a high diversity and density of duiker species in the area. Unfortunately the area was particularly hard hit by bushfires that have altered the habitat of the sanctuary. This 53 sq km reserve originally formed part of Buofom Forest Reserve and contains remnant semi-deciduous forest within savannah meadows and sandstone bovals. Three species of crocodile are found as well as 26 species of mammals, including 4 species of primates, duikers and red river hog. Among the recorded bird species is the highly threatened bare-headed rock fowl. The Bomfobiri falls is a major visitor attraction.
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated just outside the city of Kumasi and is centred on latitude 6 degrees 44 minutes north and longitude 1 degree 42 minutes west. The sanctuary surrounds an artificial lake which was formed after the construction of a dam across the Owabi River in 1928. The dam was developed to provide potable water for the nearby city of Kumasi . Researchers find Owabi an interesting site, especially for Campbell 's mona monkey and water birds. The water is ringed by secondary forest and shelters several primates and antelope species, including black duiker. The reservoir supports an interesting mix of resident and migrant waterfowl while the forest shelters hornbills, turacos and parrots among others. The park is a nice location for a day trip from Kumasi , for a walk in the forest, bird-watching or a picnic.
RAMSAR Coastal Wetlands
There are five coastal wetlands sites in Ghana which include the Muni-Pomadze Lagoon in the Awutu-Efutu and Gomoa Districts of the Central Region; the Densu Delta just west of Accra; the Sakumo Lagoon just east of Accra; the Songor Lagoon on the west side of the Volta River in the Dangbe East District; and the Keta Lagoon Complex in the southern part of the Volta Region. The Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary has also been designated a RAMSAR site.Together these six sites cover an area of 1,740 sq. km. These sites are of international importance as resting and feeding grounds for large concentrations of more than 70 species of migratory and resident water birds, as well as breeding sites for three species of endangered marine turtles. Ghana 's 550 km coastline includes over 100 estuaries and lagoons. These coastal wetlands are on the boundary of two major migration corridors for waterbirds: the East Atlantic Flyway and the Mediterranean Flyway. Studies by the "Save the Sea Shore Birds - Project" and the Ghana Wildlife Society dating back to the early 1980s, have shown that significant numbers of water birds use Ghana coastal wetlands as staging areas and wintering grounds. At least 15 species of water birds occur here in internationally important populations. RAMSAR sites are typically habitats that are often shared with human activities.
