Ashanti African Travel and Tours has made one of the most critical interventions to protect forest reserves in some parts of the country.
The Tourism organization has put up an eight-unit classroom block for the people of Bonkro in the New Edubiase District of the Ashanti Region.
This, they believe, is the only thing that will stop them from felling trees from the forest that has many endangered animal species.
According to the NGO, Ghana should protect its forest reserves and save many of the species of animals that are rarely seen across the world in order to boost the country's tourism industry.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over the school building to the Bonkro and its surrounding communities, CEO of the Ashanti African Travel and Tours, Mark Williams, said Ghana serves as an ideal destination for many tourists from across the world.
He believes the numerous National Parks coupled with their dazzling array of wildlife accounts for that and thus need to be protected.
The Travel and Tour company that focuses primarily on the exceptional diversity of wildlife the country bargained with the communities to cease the chainsaw operations in the forest as well as the wanton destruction of rivers and water bodies in the Bonkro Community.
"The destruction to the forest reserve here has led to the extinction of many species of animals including many bird species. We needed to do something to save the situation.
“We needed to do something to help the community stop the wanton destruction of the forest, the consequences which will destroy many animal species," he pleaded.
Mr Williams said an understanding was reached between the company and the communities upon which the community demanded a school be built for them in order to leave the forest intact.
"We put it before them, they agreed to stop felling the trees. Initially, it wasn't easy but they understood to put their community and Ghana first rather than the selfish parochial interest," he said.
The NGO has also embarked on Picathartes Education and Conservation for Knowledge Fund which aims to support the three communities which surround the Upper Guinea Rainforest.
This protects endangered bird and mammal species, including the Long-tailed Pangoline and at least 24 nesting sites for an endangered bird species, the Yellow-headed Picathartes.
"Ultimately we hope that by showing our commitment to the communities through ethical travel and eco-tourism, enabling them to see the immediate benefits of conserving the habitat, they will help us stop the illegal logging and hunting activities by locals who come from or pass through their communities," he indicated.
Ashanti African Tours has also initiated moves to construct a reception centre and accomodation facilities in the communities to welcome tourists to the communities at a fee.
The funds realised, according to the NGO would be used to support the development of the community.
The NGO called on government to make the Atiwa Forest a National Park since it will serve as a premier destination of tourism in the country because of its huge tourism potentials.
"The Atiwa forest is Ghana's premiere destination. It has many bird species and will serve as a great place for tourism if it is established as a national park," he assured.
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