Africa-Press – Ghana. Nestled along the serene banks of River Nanum, a tributary of the famous Oti River, in Tolomedzi, a suburb of KpareKpare in the Krachi East Municipal, lies a hidden treasure trove awaiting to added to the tourism map of the country.
The eco-friendly and majestic hippopotamuses that roam freely in the area could offer a unique and unforgettable experience to tourists, presenting a significant revenue-generating opportunity for the Municipal Assembly, when turned around.
A Thriving Ecotourism Hub
With proper development and management, the Tolomedzi hippopotamus viewership could be transformed into a sanctuary with the potential to become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and near.
The area can be transformed into a thriving ecotourism hub, creating jobs, stimulating local economic growth, and generating internally generated funds (IGF) for the Assembly by investing in infrastructure, promoting the area as a tourist destination, like the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary and the crocodile pond in Paga with support from other stakeholders.
One potential approach is to construct a reservoir or dam along River Nanum, where the bulky animals are sighted, creating a habitat that could contain the hippos as a sanctuary.
This would provide a safe habitat for the hippos and offer a unique tourist experience, generating millions of dollars in revenue.
Conservation Efforts
According to Mr. Alfred Kofi Barah, Manager of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission at Kyabobo Park in Nkwanta South, hunting, capturing or killing hippos is prohibited, except in cases, where human life is threatened and authorization is granted from the region to the Presidency and then to the President.
Sustainable Development and Economic Development
To ensure the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability, the Assembly must prioritize environmentally friendly practices and community engagement. A management plan that balances economic development in tandem with conservation and community needs.
Developing the sanctuary can significantly impact the local economy, create jobs and stimulate entrepreneurship.
The influx of tourists will also create opportunities for local businesses to thrive, from accommodation and catering to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Ghana’s Hippopotamus Population
Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, short legs, and large size.
Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) is said to have the strongest bite force estimated at 8,130 Newtons per square inch of all land animals.
Ghana’s hippopotamus population is estimated to be between 120-150, scattered across two main locations: the Bui National Park and the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary along the Black Volta River.
The Wechiau sanctuary, established in 1998, spans 40 kilometers of riparian forest and savannah landscape, providing a refuge for diverse wildlife species, including approximately 36 hippos.
Hippopotamus Distribution Across Africa
Hippos are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with estimates suggesting they inhabit over 30 countries. The largest populations are found in Tanzania, Zambia, and Uganda, while other countries with notable hippo populations include Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in East and Southern Africa, with The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in West Africa.
Weight World of Hippos
Hippos are among the largest land mammals on Earth, with adults weighing between 1,300kg and 4,500kg (2,866 to 9,921 Ibs).
Males tend to be larger than females, with average weights ranging from 1,500 to 1,800kg, while females typically weigh between 1,300 to 1,500kg.
Some male hippos can reach incredible weights, with the largest individuals tipping the scales at up to 3,200kg or even a massive 4,500 kg.
Hippos Nocturnal Feasting Habits
Many people think that hippos eat meat because they’re so large in size. However, hippos are actually herbivores, meaning they only feed on plants. Most of their diet consists of short grasses, but they will eat fruit if it’s available.
Grazing Under the Stars
As the sun sets, hippos emerge from water to feast on the abundant grasses that grow near their aquatic habitats. This nocturnal grazing behavior allows them to avoid the harsh daytime sun and predators that might be lurking in the environment.
Unique Skin of Hippos
Hippos have a distinctive skin coloration, with a dark gray or bluish-black hue on their backs and sides, and a pinkish or pale pink underside. However, their skin can appear to change colour due to a unique secretion.
Hippos produce a reddish, oily substance often referred to as “blood sweat,” this secretion acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting their skin from the harsh sun. As a result, hippos can appear pinky or reddish, especially when exposed to sunlight.
The Underwater World of Hippos
Hippos have a unique way of moving through water. Instead of swimming like most animals, they prefer to walk or run along the riverbed underwater. Their dense bodies allow them to sink to the bottom, where they can push off and propel themselves forward.
This unusual form of locomotion is often referred to as an “underwater gallop.” This adaptation enables them to navigate their aquatic environment with remarkable agility.
The hippo’s ability to walk or run underwater is a testament to their unique physiology. Their dense bodies and powerful legs allow them to thrive in their aquatic environment, making them one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom.
The Assembly’s Insight
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Krachi East, Mr. Safo Nketia, has expressed the Assembly’s commitment, in an interview, developing a tourist hub in the enclave as several potential sites has been identified including the newest development of hippo siting, Dream Village along River Oti and a vast land between Nantwi-Akura and Dormabin.
He disclosed that the idea of developing a tourist hub was already being considered by the Municipal Assembly until recent discovery of hippos in Tolomedzi courtesy story has further reinforced this plan.
Mr. Nketia revealed that the Assembly has facilitated visits by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to the site, and the Manager has advised the Assembly to open up the road from Abongo-Akura to Tolomedzi, which they are expecting to undertake after the rainy season.
Traditional Twist
Press upclose with the chief in his palace revealed that traditional leaders are capable of performing rituals to forge a lasting co-existence between the hippos and the community, making it possible for the Krachi East Municipal Assembly to establish a thriving sanctuary.
Chief of KpareKpare, Nana Foster Atta Owusu III, has offered a unique and traditional twist to development the proposed development of a hippo sanctuary at Tolomedzi by leading rituals to draw close relationship between the river, the hippos and the community.
“The rituals will let the hippos come home to dwell in the sanctuary on a permanent basis and emphasizing the spiritual connection between traditional practices and wildlife.”
Assembly Member Woos Investors to Develop KpareKpare Electoral Area
Mr. Isaac K. Kaliwa, the Assembly Member for KpareKpare Electoral Area, has expressed his commitment to developing the hippo sanctuary.
He believes that such a project would not only benefit the local community but also contribute to the local economy and the national economy.
The Assembly member extended an invitation to investors to explore opportunities in his area at Tolomedzi and assured potential investors of his support and collaboration to ensure the success of this project.
By investing in the Tolomedzi hippopotamus sanctuary, the Krachi East Municipal Assembly can unlock the potential of this natural wonder, drive economic growth and community development and promote conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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