Tolomedzi: The Ghana News Agency (GNA) expose on the hippopotamus menace in Tolomedzi, at the KpareKpare Electoral Area in the Krachi East Municipality, Oti Region, has prompted swift action from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
According to Ghana News Agency, a joint team from both organisations visited the community to assess the situation and provided education to residents. Mr. Alfred Kofi Barah, the Manager of the Wildlife Division of the Commission, and his team conducted an educational programme for community members on coexisting with hippos in the area. During the programme, residents were informed about identifying major routes of the animals and promoting their peaceful coexistence with humans, reducing nighttime fishing and avoiding activities that may harm the hippos, and promoting ecotourism.
He said the wildlife division hoped to create a harmonious relationship between humans and hippos, benefiting both the environment and local economy through sustainable ecotourism practices. Mr. Jonathan Dzunu, the Krachi East Municipal NADMO Director, urged residents in the area to follow safety measures outlined by the wildlife division to mitigate the risks posed by the hippos. In an interview with the GNA, Mr. Dzunu stated that NADMO was still assessing the distraction caused by the animals and would submit a report to the appropriate authorities for assistance.
Some community members at Tolomedzi expressed their gratitude to the GNA for the publicity on the hippo menace, which prompted authorities from the wildlife division and NADMO management to timely intervene by providing them with education on safety measures. Mr. Godwin Agbeviako, an opinion leader, on behalf of the community, thanked GNA for bringing putting a spotlight on their plight. He said that the community would abide by the safety and precautionary measures outlined by the wildlife division and NADMO, to prevent further incidents and promote peaceful coexistence with the hippos.
The team were taken on a site visit by the community members to assess the damage caused by hippos to farms in the area and also shown the footprints of the animals on the shores, highlighting the extent of the impact of the hippos on local livelihoods.
