Paga (U/E), March 24, – Residents of the Zenga community in Paga have called for urgent desilting and enhanced protection of the iconic Paga crocodile pond, highlighting its significance for tourism, heritage, and local livelihoods.
The appeal was made during a durbar held in honour of “Yuu-Nyenga,” a legendary friendly crocodile discovered in 1963, which passed away in December 2025 after decades of attracting tourists from around the world.
The event, organised by the Zenga Youth Association with support from Kacstone Records, drew traditional leaders, government officials, youth groups, tourism authorities, and community members.
Cultural and Tourism Significance
Mr Emmanuel Kuseh, Zenga Youth Chairman, emphasised the centrality of the crocodiles to Paga’s identity and tourism appeal:
“We cannot talk about tourism in Ghana without mentioning the Paga crocodiles. They feature in school textbooks and have drawn global attention for decades.”
He expressed concern that the pond had not been dredged for over 40 years, hosting more than 200 crocodiles, and noted threats from encroachment and the absence of proper fencing.
Preservation Efforts
Mr Kuseh urged residents to act as watchdogs to protect the crocodiles, citing unconfirmed reports that Yuu-Nyenga may have been attacked before its death.
Mr Joseph Appiagyei, Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, described the crocodile as one of the region’s most iconic tourism assets and stressed the need for collaborative conservation efforts:
“Government, the Wildlife Division, and the community must work together to preserve this facility for future generations.”
He praised the peaceful coexistence between humans and crocodiles in Paga, noting it is unique globally.
Economic and Community Impact
Mr Raymond Adda of Kacstone Records highlighted the economic contribution of the crocodiles to job creation, tourism development, and cultural preservation, urging that revenue from the site be reinvested for maintenance and enhancement.
Mr Desmond Abire Ayambire, Public Relations Officer of the Paga Youth Movement, called for improved management of the funds generated to ensure sustainability.
Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, Kassena Nankana West District Chief Executive, commended the youth for the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local development and heritage conservation.
No comments:
Post a Comment