In the twin communities of Boabeng and Fiema, located in Ghana’s Bono East Region, monkeys live harmoniously with residents. Over a thousand monkeys inhabit a 4.5 square kilometre forest designated as a sanctuary, where they thrive in a protected environment. These monkeys, belonging to the Mona and Black and White Colobus species, interact freely with the local people.
Remarkably, the residents of Boabeng-Fiema hold the monkeys in high esteem, considering them sacred. The relationship is deeply rooted in tradition, dating back generations. According to the Chief of Boabeng, Nana Owusu Damoa Ameyaw III, harming the monkeys is forbidden as they are seen as children of the Fetish Daworo. This sacred bond ensures that the animals are well-protected, even receiving ceremonial burials when they die.
Daily, the monkeys venture into the community for food and water without fear. Mona monkeys, in particular, are known to visit each morning, while the Black and White Colobus monkeys remain closer to the forest. The sanctuary has become a notable example of how wildlife and humans can peacefully co-exist, supported by cultural practices.
Tourists visiting the sanctuary are often amazed by the sight of these free-roaming monkeys and the residents’ unwavering respect for them. Boabeng-Fiema stands as a testament to how traditional beliefs can aid wildlife conservation.