The Beauty of Mole National Park
Ghana’s largest wildlife sanctuary is Mole National Park, situated in the Savannah region at an elevation of 50 meters, covering 4,577 square kilometers. The park is home to various plant and mammal species and is known for its large elephant population. The park’s southern boundary is marked by a sharp escarpment, while the ephemeral Levi and Mole Rivers flow through it, leaving behind drinking holes during the dry season. The park’s entrance is accessed via the town of Larabanga, which was once a slave trade route and is home to the Larabanga mosque and other tourist attractions. Mole National Park is one of Ghana’s seven national parks and shares borders with 33 communities. The park is well-protected through a collaborative effort between its management and surrounding communities. Sustainable wildlife management is a priority, with the aim of generating revenue for the park. History of Mole National Park In 1958, the lands that now make up the park were set aside as a wildlife refuge, and in 1971, they were designated a national park after the small human population in the area was relocated. Despite its early establishment, the park has not undergone significant development as a tourist destination. The park’s funding as a protective area is inadequate, and there are concerns about poaching and sustainability, but the protection of resident antelope species has improved since its establishment. Scientists consider the park an important study area, as the absence of human population allows for long-term studies of relatively undisturbed sites compared to other densely populated areas of West Africa. For example, studies indicate that elephants in the park cause greater damage to economically important tree species such as Burkea africana and Butyrospermum paradoxum, the source of shea butter, compared to less important species. Recently, the park’s honey made from flowers has become the first fair-trade commodity in the region. Villagers nearby use traditional methods to harvest the honey, which is sold as a health and wellness supplement in the US through a partnership with a Utah-based company. The program was co-founded by Ashanti Chief Nana Kwasi Agyemang, who hopes to increase local interest in the honey and eventually export it to other African countries. Visitors to the park are advised to wear protective clothing during the rainy season and insect repellent throughout the year. Ghana is a lovely country with plenty of tourist attractions, and Mole National Park is a must-visit destination. READ NEXT ON: Yilo Krobo District’s Amazing Umbrella Rock
Google Chooses Ghana as the Location for its First AI research Lab in Africa
Google has opened a new AI research laboratory in Ghana’s capital city, Accra. The new office, located inside Stanbic Heights, Airport City in Accra, is the first in Africa to support Google’s AI Research Team. In 2018, Google announced plans to open its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab in Ghana to provide researchers with the necessary tools and opportunities to develop AI products to address a variety of problems across the continent. Ghana was named the second most peaceful country in Africa by the Global Peace Index Report in 2021. The West African country is home to the AfCFTA Secretariat, Twitter in Africa, and now Twitter in Africa. Google’s decision to open an AI research laboratory in Ghana is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the growing interest and investment in Africa’s tech industry, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years. By establishing a presence in Ghana, Google is positioning itself to tap into the continent’s young, tech-savvy population, who are eager to embrace new technologies and innovation. Secondly, Ghana’s reputation as a stable and peaceful country is a major drawcard for international investors looking to do business in Africa. The country’s political stability and low levels of corruption make it an attractive destination for companies seeking to establish a foothold on the continent. Thirdly, the establishment of Google’s AI lab in Ghana is expected to create new job opportunities for local talent, which could help to stem the brain drain that has plagued the continent for decades. By investing in the development of local talent, Google is not only helping to build a more skilled workforce but is also contributing to the growth of the broader African tech industry. Overall, the establishment of Google’s AI lab in Ghana is a positive development for both the country and the continent as a whole. As Africa continues to embrace digital technologies and innovation, it is likely that we will see more tech giants following Google’s lead and setting up shop in the region. READ NEXT ON: Avance Media releases list of top 30 Female Diplomats in Ghana
