Some places in Ghana are not real 😂

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Guys, now we're at the monkey sanctuary water region. And here I have been forewarned that monkeys are very friendly. All I have to do is hold a banana firmly and then peel it.

[00:00:18]When I peel it, monkey will probably sit on my head, any part of my body, try and eat the banana. Hence the emphasis on holding it firmly so that it doesn't go.

[00:00:30]I saw one there but it's just run away.

[00:00:34]However, let's uh go on this adventure.

[00:00:39]So here you can see this is a monkey.

[00:00:42]This is a monkey statue of a monkey to symbolize and to let you know that this is what you're about to get yourself into. But then the beauty also is that you find all these beings. There's Kente there. There's uh beads.

[00:00:58]All of these things. There's bags here they are selling. So, if you come here, you're a tourist and you come here, you'll find even these uh products that you can buy. There's local drinks there as well. So, this is uh the Totam Monkey Sanctuary and Cultural Village. It was rehabilitated by the Ghana Tourism Authority with funding from the tourism development fund. This is just to show you that you know tourism is being taken seriously here and we are about to experience this. Yesterday a lot of people came for me and they was they were saying oh you can't be touring and then you're running away you can't even hold a snail. So today I'm under pressure to not run away from a monkey.

[00:01:44]>> Has a monkey sat on your face before?

[00:01:46]No, it's going to be my first time.

[00:01:48]>> Have you been here before?

[00:01:49]>> I have passed through this town, but I've not made a stop over yet. I was on my bike.

[00:01:54]>> Yeah.

[00:01:54]>> Just exploring the VA region. Yeah.

[00:01:58]>> Okay. Okay.

[00:02:00]>> Who can we talk to? It's him.

[00:02:02]>> Okay.

[00:02:03]>> So, how are you sir?

[00:02:04]>> I'm good. How are you?

[00:02:05]>> Fine, thank you. So, here what happens here?

[00:02:09]>> Yes. is uh actually uh home to where monkey species known as Trumona.

[00:02:16]>> Mhm.

[00:02:17]>> And >> yeah, they are very special.

[00:02:20]>> Okay.

[00:02:20]>> Because their breed is not common in the entire of West Africa.

[00:02:24]>> Yeah. One can only find true monkeys here.

[00:02:27]>> Mhm.

[00:02:29]>> You know, we have Mona family. You can see about in many parts of Ghana and beyond. And all monas have the same patterns as these ones. But then these ones carry extra feature on their body that makes them unique mona monkeys.

[00:02:44]>> Hence they are named true mona real species of >> how how many years have you operate here? Yesing the conservation of this place uh has been traditional uh since uh our forefathers got here in the >> 12th 13th centuries >> they've been protecting it but uh it got formally uh um established in 1996 okay >> as a tourist hub I mean destination >> so how many monkeys do you have >> uh approximately,920 um they are in families we call troops and the troops consist of between 120 and 140.

[00:03:24]>> Beyond 120, the ones coming to join will have to go and form their own troop. So currently we have 16 different troops.

[00:03:32]So if one should at least multiply 120 by 16 that gives you,920.

[00:03:40]>> What happens if uh the way I've come here and then I end up getting one >> taking it home with me?

[00:03:46]>> Yes. These monkeys are sacri and so we don't uh allow them out and even when you are able to take one you can't contain them um they give you nightmare.

[00:04:01]>> Do you lock them up or you just leave them in the >> Yes. They live naturally um in the uh jungle. They live on their owns. They feed on their owns. Um but well you know bananas monkeys cannot do without bananas. Ah, been told that we need we make you bananas.

[00:04:18]>> Okay, great.

[00:04:19]>> That is what makes them closer to you.

[00:04:21]>> Yeah.

[00:04:22]>> You said something very striking. You said even if you're able to >> even if you're able to take them away >> uh >> Yeah. It gives you a it gives you nightmares. What does that mean?

[00:04:34]>> Yes. Um you know they they are considered sacred. They are attached to spiritual beliefs. So when you take it away you you know in fact it gives you troubles and you will have to find your way back here with the monkey and give it back to the community.

[00:04:49]>> It's not even that you come looking for me I'll find my way back.

[00:04:52]>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. There was one time a German was here. I know um he did a volunteer work here. He loved the monkey so much. He did uh he wanted us to give him one. We said no.

[00:05:04]>> He insisted. We asked him to well if he could. So he was able to take one away.

[00:05:09]within 3 weeks he had to bring it back.

[00:05:12]>> What did he say? The reason was >> you know when in the night you know he was seeing awful I mean um raw sins in the yeah in his dreams and all that. So he he had to you know come back.

[00:05:26]>> What if he was sick? Yeah. She or he was sick kind of coincidence and >> No. In fact when he left he he he went back after he brought it he he sent us a message. Now he's free. He's sleeping.

[00:05:38]me properly.

[00:05:38]>> They took it outside the country or it was >> Exactly. Outside Ghana, >> you have to fly back.

[00:05:42]>> Yes.

[00:05:43]>> So when you come here to the monkey sanctuary sanctuary, just enjoy the monkeys, feed them bananas, let them be.

[00:05:50]>> Walk away, please.

[00:05:51]>> Exactly. This is their hope. You know, also there's a law on them in Ghana that, you know, because they've gone to instinct.

[00:05:58]>> Uh one when one finds uh true monamong is anywhere in Ghana should make sure it comes back here. Maybe something fishy might have gone on. Um because the entire of of West Africa, you can only find two mother monkeys in this community. Uh Lagos and one community in Cameron.

[00:06:16]>> They are very common here.

[00:06:18]>> Yeah. Let's go.

[00:06:18]>> Do people sometimes eat them?

[00:06:21]>> Yes.

[00:06:23]>> For here? I mean here. No. You've never eaten one?

[00:06:25]>> No. No. No. No. It is a taboo for us as people of Taffy to eat the meat of monkey.

[00:06:30]>> It's so delicious.

[00:06:31]>> No, we don't. We don't even want to hear that in our in our ears. So she's a Zambian. She's not a Ghanaian.

[00:06:39]>> We eat in Zambia.

[00:06:40]>> Oh, please. Please. Uh when you come to Ghana in this area.

[00:06:43]>> Yeah.

[00:06:44]>> We don't want to hear eating of monkey.

[00:06:46]>> Ah, it's a taboo.

[00:06:48]>> Yes, it is.

[00:06:50]>> Okay.

[00:06:52]>> What's the story behind the uh uh tomb over there? Uh the um you know actually this place uh used to be all forest and it I mean in the olden days our forefathers were burying people here. So it's a it used to be a cemetery. Yes.

[00:07:09]>> But then this man used to >> How is it that you've only kept one?

[00:07:13]>> Yeah. This man uh happened to be the elite person from the community.

[00:07:18]>> You know those you know he was a what do you call a health practitioner.

[00:07:24]>> Okay. He was on duty one day when he got crossed uh by a pig on his motorbike and uh he died out of that.

[00:07:33]>> So because he was the only prominent person from this community at that time um they made his grave closer to the road and so when we were rehabilitating this place we asked the families to come and give it I mean >> then over there we have some small small tombs. You can also see uh you know monkeys behave just like human beings.

[00:07:59]>> You you don't really see the dead body of a monkey. You know when a monkey dies the fellow you know members come to I mean they take the body deep inside the jungle.

[00:08:11]>> Ah really?

[00:08:12]>> Yes. They dig the claw I mean the ground with their claws put the cacas inside and all it. So >> So you've never seen a dead monkey?

[00:08:19]>> No you don't really see a dead monkey.

[00:08:21]It was one time when serious. Oh yes, that is that is a fact.

[00:08:25]>> It was one time when the um the king was sick, you know. Um we were operating in this room then this office. Um for about 1 month, one whole month, it was so weak. It wasn't far away from us. It was staying around us. So one afternoon, you know, it died in our face. And we saw Yeah, we saw them coming to take it.

[00:08:47]Then I asked my boys to to quickly.

[00:08:49]>> So how do they know? Yeah, they know it.

[00:08:51]I know they are connected spiritually, you know. Um, so yeah, we they kept it from them and then after they left, I got them to bury uh the there. That's it.

[00:09:02]>> So that's a monkey over there.

[00:09:04]>> Yes. Yes.

[00:09:05]>> Um he actually uh yeah was known as Kakagla which is grandpa.

[00:09:16]>> He died. He's the overall king of all the monkeys. You know like I told you we have 16 different troops. A troop consist of between 16 uh I mean 120 and 140. And each troop has a troop leader you know. Then the aside the troop leaders we have the overall king which is I mean which moves with uh four of his wives.

[00:09:38]So he died in our face. We buried here him here and then uh this one too got electrocuted in our face one afternoon. to be able to bury it also here. Yes, the overall king makes sure uh he gets to know the whereabout of each troop and there is a sound he makes when he wants to know where each troop is at the moment. When he makes that sound, you know, all other troop leaders will have to respond. And that response, if one has to be in the center of the community, you hear from different junctures of the forest the sound of all leaders responding um you know the the the king, you know, asks.

[00:10:26]>> Yeah. When you hear it, it will sound two times in a row. Then that means it's looking for the whereabout of each troops. Then each troop will have to respond. If it is more than two times, it's it it sends another signals to the community. If it is once, it means a different thing. So the people and the monkeys, you know, relates, you know, they they communicate.

[00:10:55]So that's that's interesting.

[00:10:57]>> So with this guy over here, was it like a big giant one or just >> It's too big, but you know, their size is not all that big, but um always the leaders have bigger forms. I mean, bigger bodies and all that.

[00:11:10]>> Do you have situations where you see monkeys come around here?

[00:11:14]>> Oh yes. So monkeys Oh, this morning they were just here. They just left.

[00:11:18]>> Yes. So they they are in the homes and sometimes that is a chapel by the time they the the church members come to open the the chapel inside. Oh they on the altar you know they sleep even on my the ceilings on I mean my roof in my house I'm sleeping under and they at the top watching me. I mean yes it's opens. It's a favorite food for the monkeys. Ah, >> it's a Jamaican national dish.

[00:11:50]>> Exactly. It's very very popular in Jamaica.

[00:11:53]>> Okay.

[00:11:54]>> I'm seeing it for the first time.

[00:11:55]>> Okay. Shall we um >> Yes. Let's get the bananas.

[00:11:58]>> No, no, no. They will have to peel it by themselves. You don't peel it before you give it.

[00:12:02]>> So, what's the >> instruction on how I'm supposed Yes. Um, yeah. When we get there, I'll show you how to feed them. You know, you have to >> Ah, there's one.

[00:12:13]>> Yes. Yes. Ah, >> you see what makes them true mona monkeys is you see two the two pie dots at the back >> the base of the tail is in between the two pie dots.

[00:12:22]>> Yeah, >> that is what makes them true mono monkeys.

[00:12:25]>> This is one jumping.

[00:12:26]>> You have a hint that something is coming.

[00:12:28]>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. They can spell the bananas.

[00:12:31]>> Really?

[00:12:32]>> Oh yeah.

[00:12:32]>> Let me create my content.

[00:12:34]>> Who is going to jump?

[00:12:39]three on me cuz I don't know how long I can handle it.

[00:12:45]>> Oh, >> is that how you call them?

[00:12:52]>> Ah, >> a very important question. Are they domesticated?

[00:12:56]>> No, they are not.

[00:12:57]>> They're still wild. Yes, they are wild but friendly.

[00:13:00]>> Oh my god.

[00:13:02]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:13:04]>> You existed for uh >> Oh my goodness.

[00:13:07]>> For for millennia. My goodness.

[00:13:08]>> Yes.

[00:13:10]>> Yes. It's very cool. Eh, the just come closer, please.

[00:13:19]>> Yeah, it is very cool to do. Okay. Yes.

[00:13:21]Yours is to hold the banana very firmly like this. And as he's eating, you see, I mean, you'll be releasing it bit by bit.

[00:13:28]>> Oh my god.

[00:13:29]>> Yes. Take one banana, please.

[00:13:31]>> Wait. I'm gathering my strength.

[00:13:32]>> Yeah. Be strong. Okay. It's it's it's very cold.

[00:13:36]They're not going to do anything.

[00:13:42]>> Oh gosh. Can you go first?

[00:13:44]>> Go first.

[00:13:45]>> Okay. Just give me one. Okay. Okay.

[00:13:46]Okay. Okay. Pick one. Pick.

[00:13:48]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:13:54]>> Instantly.

[00:13:57]>> Oh wow. So the moment you just hold the banana, >> they on you.

[00:14:00]>> They are on you. So You're so brave. Oh my god.

[00:14:08]>> Yeah. Okay. Come come try it. You know the the palms are very soft. They >> they don't scratch you >> unless you you you don't treat them properly.

[00:14:17]>> Okay. So, let's let's breathe together.

[00:14:20]>> Let's wait.

[00:14:24]>> See? See? Can you see behind me?

[00:14:26]>> Huh?

[00:14:26]>> Can you see behind?

[00:14:27]>> Wait, wait. I want him to come to >> Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[00:14:30]>> Mhm.

[00:14:41]When you hold the banana, >> don't leave it. Don't leave it.

[00:14:44]>> Don't leave it.

[00:14:46]>> Oh, dear God.

[00:14:48]>> Easy. Hold it firmly. Hold it firmly.

[00:14:52]Hold it firmly. Hold it.

[00:14:59]This is so strange.

[00:15:04]OKAY. OKAY. SO, you're on me. You don't want to get down.

[00:15:07]>> Have you seen they taking cover?

[00:15:09]>> Yeah. Two groups. Yes. There's a sound a leader made.

[00:15:13]>> What?

[00:15:15]>> He's is he's is I mean he's sensing a danger >> inside there. So, it has given them alarm to take cover.

[00:15:22]>> Really?

[00:15:23]>> Yes.

[00:15:25]>> It could be it could be also because of those birds.

[00:15:29]>> Oh, wow.

[00:15:34]No, not not again. Please, I can't go again. No, no, you go with it again. I can't go again. I've done enough.

[00:15:42]>> Get it. Yeah, >> do a picture.

[00:15:48]Come, come, come.

[00:15:49]>> Okay. Okay, that's about it. I can't.

[00:15:51]No, no, no, no, no, no. That was enough.

[00:15:55]Oh my goodness, you guys. That was a bravery.

[00:16:00]You had no idea it took so much. It took so much to do that.

[00:16:10]>> Look at them.

[00:16:12]>> This one has a baby.

[00:16:13]>> Yeah, he has a baby.

[00:16:14]>> Ah, that's how they move when they have a baby. That's the one with a baby. Oh, look at you. A >> lady.

[00:16:23]>> Oh, this is a lady.

[00:16:25]>> Wow.

[00:16:26]>> Ah. Are you feeding your child?

[00:16:28]>> Hello. feed the baby. Let's see you feed the baby.

[00:16:31]>> Yes, baby is now breastfeeding.

[00:16:33]>> Oh, the baby is breastfeeding. The mother is eating.

[00:16:37]>> Oh, look at you.

[00:16:40]Oh, wow. How do you feel?

[00:16:42]>> Really nice.

[00:16:43]>> Yeah.

[00:16:44]>> Really, really. It's really interesting cuz looks like they are domesticated, but they're not.

[00:16:48]>> They're actually wild.

[00:16:49]>> Yeah.

[00:16:50]>> And they can come really close and just be all around. I think they've been doing this for years, you see. Yeah. So the little ones will also learn the interactions these big ones are having with humans and then they adapt.

[00:17:02]>> They adapt.

[00:17:03]>> Yeah.

[00:17:03]>> Yeah.

[00:17:04]>> That's that's that's nice.

[00:17:06]>> That's nice.

[00:17:08]>> What species is this again?

[00:17:09]>> True mon.

[00:17:12]Okay.

[00:17:14]>> Oh yes. Jump.

[00:17:20]>> Oh wow. Have you been here?

[00:17:22]>> Yeah. Severally. Severally. Several.

[00:17:25]uncomfortable.

[00:17:26]>> Yeah.

[00:17:27]>> Yes.

[00:17:27]>> Okay.

[00:17:29]>> Yeah. Have you been here before? Have you had a monkey jump on you before?

[00:17:33]What was the experience? Were you braver than I?

[00:17:38]Because hey, it took a lot. It took a lot, you guys. But I did it anyway.

[00:17:44]That's what's important. We got there.

[00:17:48]>> But without a without a banana, you cannot touch them just like that. They will not allow you to touch them.

[00:17:53]Banana, no friend.

[00:17:54]>> Oh, no. Banana, no friendship. Banana friendship.

[00:17:56]>> Oh, well, you guys come to the monkey sanctuary water region. Uh, what's the exact >> monkey sanctuary?

[00:18:05]>> Yes. Located in the AA district.

[00:18:11]>> Yeah. Come here and have your own experience. I can only tell you much >> a little bit.

[00:18:18]>> H.

[00:18:21]Are you able to run me through the names of these trees that you have around here?

[00:18:25]>> Yes. Um here I can see uh I can see a from >> the tallest.

[00:18:31]>> Yeah.

[00:18:32]>> With the Yeah. The multiple ones around it.

[00:18:36]>> It's a a farm. It's a very hard wood.

[00:18:39]>> Um then we have >> What do you use it for?

[00:18:42]>> Uh it's used in making furniture.

[00:18:44]>> Mhm.

[00:18:45]>> Yeah. Uh then we have cyber which is a soft wood you know when it's when it's growing from I mean young baby stage it has a lot of tones around it as a protective garment you know anything that is approaching it you know because of the tones. No but as it is growing you see the tones coming off it. So this one as it come fully grown like this you don't see uh much tones on it anymore. It is used in making plywood. Yes. And then this is decor. It's also used in making uh what it call furniture. Uh furniture >> and uh buildings.

[00:19:25]>> Any they used for medicinal purposes as well.

[00:19:29]>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Like uh the the cyber the leaves are also used for medicinal purposes. We have mango trees there. We have flamboyants also. Uh >> usually what do you take like what must be wrong with you to take it?

[00:19:47]>> Um yeah with the uh with the cyber it has to do with fever you know when you have some um shallow fevers the leaves are mixed with other leaves and balls to drink.

[00:20:02]>> Okay great. Do you also use uh where you are in your country? What you know? What do you know about using you know uh cheese traditional medicine that we used to do you use that?

[00:20:17]>> Yes. Especially when you come here you you see um there are a lot of uh medicinal plants in the forest and we actually depend on them because the monkeys also depend on them when they are sick. You know let's say sometimes the monkeys can fight seriously and injure each other severely and um there are some particular leaves you see those I mean that particular monkey that is hurt >> eating living on and after a few days you see that the wound is healed. Same way we also apply them when we have cats you know people go to the farms and they have serious cuts apply those leaves we are gone I mean we are good to go and then also uh some for fever some for malaria and all that times you see a monkey one among them uh which is not healthy looking healthy it will depend on some particular leaves for a few days and after that you see it's recovering we apply those also when we get abnormal