Bio-diversity

The River Ponpon and the Falls that occur along its length including the Boti Falls occur in the Dry Semi- deciduous forest zone in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The river takes its source from the Kwahu Southern Scarp Forest Reserve. Owning to severe deforestation and degradation of this reserve and the off reserve forests of the area, most indigenous biodiversity and the River Ponpon are under severe threat. The Boti Falls, one of Ghana s popular ecotourism sites, no longer flow year round because of deforestation and farming the banks of the Ponpon River.The NGO is working with communities along the river to desist from farming too close to the river, afforest the banks using mostly indigenous species (Mahogany, Ceiba,Militia, Akorkodie, Onyina, etc) and practice ecologically sustainable agriculture including soil and water conservation. They have established two 0.25 Ha community nurseries and two demonstration agroforestry plots. They have trained the communities in the construction and use of Fuel Efficient Woodsaving Stoves and have introduced modern beekeeping. The NGO will be working closely with the Local Government and Ghana Tourist Board to ensure that the river flows year round and enhance the tourism potential of the area.

Ghana