Kumasi Zoo under threat, odour from sewage drives patrons away

 The Kumasi Zoological Garden faces imminent collapse due to poor drainage system and sewage management.

Officials say offensive smell from liquid waste running thorough the facility poses a health threat to staff and patrons.

The Kumasi Zoo was established in 1957 by the Asanteman Council as part of efforts to conserve nature. The council strategically sited the facility at the centre of the city for easy access.

Mammals, reptiles, birds and other animal species provide pleasure for patrons of the facility who obviously pay the bills.

Ghanaian children who visit the garden currently pay one Ghana cedi, while admission fee for adults is Gh¢2.50p. For foreigners, it is Gh¢5.00 and Gh¢2.50p respectively for adults and children.

Now the fortunes of the zoo are changing for the worse.

Rapid urbanization has robbed it of its natural surroundings, due to increasing commercial and industrial activities.

Liquid waste and running water from areas like Ashanti New Town, Bantama and Race Course Market flow into a nearby stream, and sometimes floods the swampy sections of the zoo.

Officials and workers suspect waste from the Komfo Anokye Hospital Mortuary also runs into the same course.

Hospital authorities however say the liquid waste from the mortuary never flows in that direction, even though they admit other forms of waste do.

This development also threatens the survival of some wildlife by denying them a conducive habitat. The foul smell is enough to scare people away from this gold mine of a tourist attraction. Theft of animals is one of the challenges confronting zoo managers.

About 78,000 patrons visited the zoo in 2009, bringing over 79, 000 Ghana cedis in revenue. Last year, the number of visitors dropped to 59, 000, but due to an upward review of rates the zoo realized over 100, 000 Ghana cedis.

General Manager, Festus Agya Yaw, says under the current circumstances, relocation of the zoo is the best option to save it from collapse. 

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Chief Executive, Samuel Sarpong tells Nhyira News the Department of Urban Roads has completed feasibility studies for reconstruction of the drains.

Story By: Kofi Asante Ennin/Nhyira Fm-Kumasi