Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary and Ramsar site in Kumasi, Ghana
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird reserve and Ramsar site near Kumasi where a dam across the Owabi River created a water body surrounded by forest and tree plantations. The site protects riverine habitat and serves as a resting place for migratory and resident bird species.
The Owabi River was Kumasi's main water supply before the Barekese Dam was built in 1971, shifting the city's needs. The sanctuary developed around the Owabi Dam to protect the habitat that formed there.
Local craftspeople use spaces near the sanctuary for traditional bead-making, connecting the site to regional skills and heritage. These workshops show how communities have worked with local materials for generations.
Visitors can arrange guided bird watching walks and nature tours through staff at the nearby Kumasi Zoo. Early morning visits offer the best chance to see birds in the shelter.
The sanctuary hosts more than 160 bird species representing diverse families, with several protected under international conservation regulations. This range of species makes it a significant location for observing birds in the region.
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