The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), is exploring a partnership with Wenchi Eco Park to support research, conservation and student training.
A delegation from the college visited Dr Oheneba Kwabiri Boateng Tabiri I, the Dumankwahene of the Wenchi Traditional Council and a founding member of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR), at the park.
The visit followed an earlier engagement during which Dr Tabiri invited the college to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Dr Tabiri said the park was established to conserve plants and animals, particularly those in Ghana’s transition zones. He said it would support academic research while providing space for family visits and recreation.
He invited the faculty to use the park’s plant and animal resources for research and student training.
“I want the faculty to join me in this battle so that postgraduate students and researchers can come here, relax and research further about plants and animals, especially in the transition zone of our Republic of Ghana,” he said.
Dr Tabiri also proposed that KNUST establish a research facility within the park.
“I would like to see more of such visits coming from KNUST, and then I would also like KNUST to have a place here in the Eco Park where they can come and do their research,” he added.
The Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Prof. Emmanuel Acheampong, said the visit allowed the college to learn about Dr Tabiri’s conservation efforts, assess the park’s potential and identify areas for collaboration.
“We are here to learn and also see how we can collaborate and contribute to the success of the Eco Park,” he said.
Prof. Acheampong commended the park’s upkeep and described it as a potential site for practical student training.
“As you can see, the place has been well kept. We have a lot of interest here. Our students can be trained here, so if we collaborate, it's going to help us and also help him achieve whatever conservation mission he has,” he remarked.
He said collaboration with the university could help the park attract international visitors.
“It's a good area and has a lot of prospects, and so we are very happy to be here to ensure that the place becomes a world-class facility that will be able to attract visitors from all over the world,” he added.
Dr Tabiri has also secured 14 acres of land in the Wenchi Municipality to expand the park and provide more opportunities for conservation, research and environmental education.
Prof. Kyere Boateng and Dr Paul Osei Tutu of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources also attended the visit.
Story: Barkisu Mohammed
