By Daniel Donkor
Dormaa Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dominic Adoma Ameyaw, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary into a modern eco-tourism destination capable of attracting visitors and generating sustainable revenue for the municipality.
He made the remarks during a tour of the municipality to cut sod for a series of projects in healthcare, education, water supply, and community infrastructure. The initiative, funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), drew enthusiastic participation from residents and traditional leaders across the beneficiary communities.
“Duasidan deserves the same attention as Buabeng-Fiema”
Speaking to GBCNEWS after the sod-cutting activities, Mr. Ameyaw emphasized that the Sanctuary—famous for its harmonious coexistence between residents and the Mona monkeys—has long been overlooked in national tourism investments.
“We cannot allow the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary to remain underdeveloped,” he said. “Just as Buabeng-Fiema in the Bono East Region enjoys national support, Duasidan also deserves that level of attention. Plans are far advanced to construct a guesthouse and other facilities that will boost tourist visits and create jobs for the community.”
The MCE further called on the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism to prioritize Duasidan as part of the national tourism development agenda.
He also appealed for private-sector partnerships to support the modernization of the sanctuary, describing it as a crucial step toward making the site a major eco-tourism destination in the Bono region.
A Tour Marked by Critical Development Projects
The MCE’s tour began at Besease, where he cut sod for a CHPS compound with staff accommodation, a mechanized borehole, and an electricity connection—projects expected to significantly improve access to healthcare and basic services.
At Duasidan, a similar CHPS compound with staff facilities was launched, complementing ongoing plans to upgrade the Monkey Sanctuary. The next stop was Dwen, where construction commenced on a 2-unit Kindergarten block complete with a dining hall, resting room, office, store, a 6-seater W/C toilet, and a mechanized borehole.
In Dormaa Ahenkro, the MCE initiated the construction of a 6-unit classroom block, furnished with a library, staff common room, office, store, 4-seater W/C toilet, 2-unit urinal, and a mechanized borehole with electricity extension at Presbyterian Junior High School. Another sod-cutting ceremony also marked the start of a 3-unit classroom block with similar amenities including a computer laboratory at Roman Catholic “B” Primary school.
Across all the communities, chiefs expressed gratitude while urging authorities to prioritize road improvement, tourism development, health, and education.
Residents described the projects as “long overdue,” noting that the new facilities would bring life-changing improvements to their communities.
Six-Month Completion Timeline
Mr. Ameyaw assured residents that the projects would be completed on schedule.
“All the necessary logistics are in place. We expect construction to progress quickly so that communities can begin benefiting within the next six months,” he noted.
The team’s final stop was the renovation site of the old Assembly Block and the MCE’s official residence, where refurbishment works are underway.
The MCE was accompanied by the Dormaa Central Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Yaw Adu, representing the Member of Parliament John Kwame Adu Jack, as well as heads of security services and officials from the Municipal Assembly.
With sod now cut across five communities, Dormaa Central enters a new phase of development—one that blends improved social amenities with renewed efforts to elevate the Duasidan Monkey Sanctuary into a beacon of eco-tourism.
