Bia is the only know home of Agama slyvanus, a newly discovered species of lizard.
LOCATION
It is situated in the Western Region of Ghana with Takoradi as the regional capital. It is under the Bia district (Essem-Debiso as regional capital).
SIZE
The Bia Conservation Area covers 306km2. It is composed of 77.7km2 of national park in the north and 227.9km2 of Bia Resource Reserve in the south.
VEGETATION
It is situated in the transition zone between moist evergreen forest in the south and moist semi-deciduous in the north.
KEY FAUNA
The Bia National Park is the home of species like African elephants, chimpanzee, White-nosed sooty Manabey, Olive Colobus, Bongo, Bushbuck. Over 130 species of birds were sighted in two days. 404 species of butterflies have been documented in Bia.
OTHER FEATURES
Climate: The average annual rainfall is 1500mm to 1800mm. Relative humidity is 90% at night and 75% in the afternoon. The mean monthly temperatures fall betweens 24oC and 28oC.
Apaso cultural site: It was discovered by the ancestors of the local chief (Debisohene) when they migrated from south-east. The main shrine site, where sacrifices and gifts have traditionally be offered. It is centred on two small pools in the rock, which are said to never dry up.
TOURIST SITES
Tourist can undertake farm tours to observe farming methods and processing of cocoa beans for sale.
COMMUNITIES
Adjoafua village: Adjoafua River is highly diverse with different species of large fish, which are not eaten. It is believed by the people of this village is that anyone who eats any of the fish will die. Bosomoiso village is close to Sefwi Wiawso. There is a hole located in this village from which people are believed to have emerged from in the olden days.
FESTIVALS
Elluolue festival. It is celebrated from March to June in the Sefwi Wiawso traditional area
TOURIST ACTIVITIES
GUIDED TOURS
CAMPING FACILITIES
ACCESS
By road from Kumasi through Bibiani from the south or north. From Takoradi through the Tarkwa-Sefwi Wiawso route.
TIME FOR VISIT
Throughout the year but difficult during the raining season (May-June and September-October)
ACCOMMODATION
Bia Guest house (Bia), Essem-Debiso
SAFETY TIPS
A 30kph speed limit exists throughout the park.
Camping is only permitted in camp sites.
Long sleeved dress with a pair of trousers, a pair of boots with firm grip and preferably a hat or cap is recommended.
No visitor shall approach any animal in the Protected Area (PA) for any reason outside the confines of a vehicle or within 30m on the ground.
Harassment of, disturbing, feeding or interference with wildlife within the PA is strictly prohibited.
No fires are permitted except in designated campsites.