Wa West, Upper West Region – A Celebration of Conservation and Culture.
The town of Wichiau, the capital of Wa West District in Ghana’s Upper West Region, on 11th March ,2025 was filled with excitement as residents warmly welcomed internationally acclaimed musician and four-time Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni as the newly appointed ambassador of the Wichiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS).
The day was marked with a series of engaging activities, beginning with Dawuni’s visit to Kpanfaa, a community in Wichiau where he witnessed a remarkable environmental project involving 230 women engaged in planting shea trees. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote reforestation and economic empowerment for women through shea butter production. Following this, Dawuni toured the Wichiau Shea Butter Processing Factory, gaining firsthand insight into the contributions of local women to sustainable livelihoods.
A Royal Welcome by Wichiau Chiefs
Rocky Dawuni then paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Wichiau Traditional Area Wichiau Naa, Naa Imoro Nandom-Goma, to formally introduce himself and discuss his mission. He was received by the chief of Wichiau , Naa Imoro Nandom-Goma, at his palace.
In his welcoming remarks, Wichiau Naa , Naa Imoro Nandom-Goma expressed his community’s joy in hosting a global icon whose commitment to cultural heritage and environmental sustainability aligns with Wichiau’s vision.
“We are glad to have you here, and it is in our tradition that a visitor who brings rain is one with pure intentions. It rained yesterday, the day you arrived, and we see this as a sign of blessings. The Hippo Sanctuary is one of the biggest and best tourist attractions in our district and the region at large. Having a celebrated musician and environmental advocate like you as our ambassador will add value to this site. Tracing your lineage, it is clear that you are one of us and a proud son of the soil. Enjoy your stay in Wichiau and feel free to come home anytime,” the Chief declared.
Dawuni Commits to Championing Development
Following the chief’s address, Rocky Dawuni expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended the traditional leadership for their commitment to development.
“The initiatives here are incredible,230 women planting shea trees, the shea butter processing factory, and the conservation of the hippos in the Black Volta. It takes a brave and visionary leader to champion such projects. As the ambassador for the Hippo Sanctuary, I will work hard to spearhead these projects and attract more development to this community,” Dawuni stated.
He highlighted the importance of blending conservation with economic opportunities for local communities, emphasizing that nature preservation and sustainable development must go hand in hand.
Official Unveiling Ceremony
The day culminated in an official unveiling ceremony held at the Hippo Sanctuary office premises, where Rocky Dawuni was formally introduced as the ambassador.
Addressing the gathering, the Manager of the Hippo Sanctuary, Mr. Abdulai R.Y. Issahaku, expressed his excitement over Dawuni’s appointment.
“We are honored to have a global figure like Rocky Dawuni accept this role. His presence will elevate the Sanctuary’s visibility and help attract more tourists and conservation support. I also commend my staff for their hard work in making this one of the best eco-tourism sites in the Upper West Region,” Mr. Issahaku stated.
About the Wichiau Community Hippo Sanctuary
The Wichiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) is a 40km protected stretch along the Black Volta River, home to one of Ghana’s two remaining hippopotamus populations. Established in 1999 by local chiefs, the project aims to protect these endangered species while promoting eco-tourism and sustainable community development.
The Sanctuary offers visitors an immersive experience, including guided canoe tours to observe hippos, birdwatching, cultural performances, and local craft displays.
A Global Partnership for Conservation
Rocky Dawuni’s appointment as an ambassador was made possible through the collaboration between the Wichiau Community Hippo Sanctuary and the Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo, a renowned Canadian conservation organization.
The Wilder Institute, founded in 1929, has been a key player in global wildlife preservation and community engagement. With nearly 1,000 animals across 119 species, the Calgary Zoo is Canada’s most visited zoo and a recognized leader in conservation efforts. Their support for the Wichiau Hippo Sanctuary highlights the importance of international partnerships in protecting biodiversity.
A New Dawn for Wichiau’s Eco-Tourism
With Rocky Dawuni now serving as the face of the Wichiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, expectations are high for increased tourism, conservation awareness, and community-driven development. His influence is expected to draw national and international attention to the Sanctuary, further solidifying Wichiau’s place on Ghana’s eco-tourism map.
As Wichiau looks forward to a brighter future, the combination of traditional leadership, community participation, and global advocacy is proving to be a powerful force for change.
