The Paga crocodile pond in Ghana blends well with the locals and the locals of the region believe that their ancestors reside in them. Besides being a sanctuary, the belief is what makes it illegal to harm or eat a croc meat in the region.
Tales revolve around the pond with two major stories getting the upper hand though both are affiliated with a man.
A long time ago, a crocodile brought a frail man close to death to the pond to have a sip. Luckily he survived. And as is a tradition in Africa, a thank you is often a good payback for kindness. The lucky survivor declared the pond sacred and thus by no means would harm befall the inhabitants of the pond; the crocodiles, to this day.
The second tale is a life bargain. Much of a win-win situation. A man had been trapped at the rim of the pond by a lion that was after him. The owners of the pond; the crocodiles, were present. The man, fighting for his life bargained with the inhabitants of the pond that if they were to devour the lion, none of his seeds would cause harm to the crocodiles.
True to this folklore, the covenant has been honored till date. Where is the Paga crocodile pond in Ghana? Located near the border between the Republic of Ghana and Burkina Faso, at the far upper east region is Paga. Just 44 kilometers outside Bolgatanga is a pond of wonder; the Paga crocodile pond, Ghana.
The pond has been home to these reptiles for long with some aging as far as the 90-year-old mark. The locals have bonded well with these creatures as local children can swim in the pond with no fear of being torn to pieces. Tourists flock this place to have a memory of a lifetime. With a guide to accompany you, you can take pictures sitting on these crocs’ backs or holding their tail with no fear.
Just remember, if ever you are going to whistle a Paga crocodile out of the waters, you have got to have a live chicken with you.