Sanctuary in Ghana under pressure: Too many sacred monkeys?

In Ghana’s Boabeng-Fiema monkey sanctuary, ancient beliefsprotect two endangered monkey species: Campbell's mona and ursine colobus. When a monkey dies, it receives a full traditional burial — a centuries‑old custom that has kept populations stable. But as villages expand, conflicts grow: monkeys raid homes and destroy crops, leaving some residents frustrated. At the same time, tourism and education programs funded by the sanctuary offer new opportunities. Can tradition continue to safeguard wildlife while supporting the community?