ACCRA, GHANA – In a move set to redefine West African tourism, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as “Cheddar,” has officially pulled back the curtain on his highly anticipated Eco-Tourism Park, home to two of the world’s rarest white Bengal tigers.
A Vision Beyond Wildlife
Walking through the lush, custom-built enclosures, Bediako made it clear that this project is not about personal prestige, but national identity. He drew a bold parallel between his vision and the history of Ghana’s economy.
“Many decades ago, Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa into this country. At that point, they couldn’t see the value… but he foresaw something we benefit from today,” Bediako stated. “I wanted Ghana to be the first country to bring these tigers here, look after them, and let them become a part of our tourism.”
Conservation and Care
The facility, which features advanced enrichment tunnels and natural habitats, was designed to maximize the lifespan of the cats. While white tigers in the wild often struggle due to habitat loss and poaching, Bediako’s team noted that in a controlled, high-care environment like this eco-park, these animals can live up to 20 years.
Key Features of the Site:
• Specialized Habitat: Enclosures include snake-repellent vegetation and natural water filtration systems.
• Expert Training: Led by specialist trainers, the park focuses on energy-based interaction, ensuring the tigers remain calm and healthy.
• Genetic Rarity: The park hosts a male and a female, including a rare albino variant, with plans to begin a breeding program to increase the global population.
The Future of African Safaris
While the park is currently finishing its final security phases in partnership with the Forestry Commission, the ultimate goal is to open the gates to the global public. Bediako envisions a Ghana that competes with the safari giants of East Africa, like Kenya and Tanzania.
“This is the lifestyle of the eco-park we want to introduce to this country,” Bediako explained. “It is for our children and our children’s children to have the opportunity to access such wild cats and zoos.”
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