Kumasi is one of the most visited destinations in Ghana because it hosts some of the popular and historical tourist sites. The Owabi wildlife sanctuary is a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Kumasi for the first time. It is the only conservation that protected animal habitats and their surrounding from any sort of disturbance in Kumasi. The capturing, killing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited in that area. They aim at providing a comfortable living to the animals.
The Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary also serves as a major eco-tourist site for tourists who visit the city and also people living there, aside serving as reserve areas for animals. The facility was established in 1988 under the government of Acheampong. The inner sanctuary was formed during the damming of the Owabi River in 1928. The Owabi River was the only source of water for the Kumasi Metropolis by then.
Currently, the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a home for over 160 bird species. There also several breeds of monkeys, bushbucks, bush pig and antelopes which resides within the sanctuary. There are also several plant species in the sanctuary; 91 trees, 19 shrubs, 40 herbs, 14 grasses, 6 ferns, 1 parasite, and 29 climber species.
Things to do at Owabi wildlife sanctuary
As I said earlier, it is a must-visit destination in Kumasi, as it also serves the public as a picnic and event park. Family, friends, and some organizations in Kumasi metropolis organize small events such as family get-together. It also provides amazing scenery for relaxation, pleasure and fun-making, bird watching, ecological tours, and studies. Though the sanctuary is the smallest among the notable 4 wildlife protection centers in Ghana, but it generates huge revenues for the Kumasi metropolis.
How to get to the destination
For tourists planning to visit the Owabi wildlife sanctuary should take Kumasi-Sunyani road branching off at Akropong junction. If you are not driving, you can get a bus in some of Kumasi’s transport stations.