About five years ago the government in power promised power to the people of Boabeng-Fiema. The sentiment was confirmed genuine when transformers were delivered to the Boabeng-Fiema guesthouse. Low tension polls for the villages followed and the buzz was almost tangible among the people of Boabeng-Fiema, excitement was in the air. Unfortunately, priorities changed and the polls stood baren without wires like trees without leaves and the wooden platform on which the transformers sat, was eaten away by numerous rainy seasons and the voracious appetite of the termites.

In 2004, however, everything changed. As is common in election years, the current government dentified projects in areas of electoral interest. Boabeng-Fiema is one such place. The electrification project was jumpstarted with the appointment of a contractor and the delivery of insulated high tension wires to protect the monkeys from injury. Soon work was under way and the people began their buzzing all over again.

Due to some minor set backs the project has passed its original completion date. The people, owever, although their buzz has quieted some remain optimistic.

Plans are under way for the BFMS to include some brand new value-added services to its list of attractions. These include exhibitions of local drumming and dancing, folktales and a "Day in the life" tour. The tour will allow visitors to visit and take part in 4 or 5 activities that local people do every day. Such activities include: visiting a palm wine plantation to see how palm wine and the local gin (akpeteshie) is distilled, accompanying a farmer to his or her farm, and learn to play Ghanaian games from the villagers themselves.

The idea is to provide visitors with a wider variety of activities to do while visiting the BFMS. It is the Management committee's hope that this will persuade more visitors to come to the site and that those who already come to spend more time at Boabeng-Fiema. So relax, take a load off and rest - tomorrow we're gonna make a Ghanaian out of you!

» World Tourism Day

On Saturday September 27, 2003 Ghana celebrated World Tourism Day at the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. This year, Ghana’s theme was “Community Based Tourism, a Driving Force for Poverty Alleviation, Job Creation and Social Harmony.”

The Fiema football pitch was transformed into a parade ground. The government delegation included the Minister for local government, Hon. K. Adjei-Darko; the Minister for tourism and modernization of the capitol city, Hon. Jake Obestsebi-Lamptey and the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Nana Kwadwo Seini. The program included speeches by representatives from US Agency for International Development (US AID), the Minister for Tourism and the Paramount Chief of the Nkoranza traditional area.

In keeping with local traditions, the Chief's precession was led to the parade ground by an entourage of more than 100 attendants. This traditional aspect helped to create an atmosphere of tremendous importance not only for Boabeng-Fiema, but for the District of Nkoranza and the Brong Ahafo Region as well.

The days events were captured by Ghana Television (GTV), news of the event was broadcast on both television and radio stations across Ghana. World Tourism Day was a success for all of the various participants especially the various eco-tourism attractions in Ghana.

Potential ecotourism sites in Ghanaare numerous with 14 being developed. As we celebrate the tourism industry day, it is hoped that the occasion will serve as a wake up call for district assemblies, interested entrepreneurs, tour operators and citizens of communities with potential eco-tourism attractions to work together to uplift their communities to grasp their share of the big tourism cake, and not wait for crumbs
from government’s table.

It is also incumbent on the media to give some attention to the tourism industry in order to promote domestic tourism. Tourism got a well deserved boost on September 27th, one can only hope that the spirit that carried the day, carries Ghana towards development.

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