Controlled fire has long been used as a way to improve forage for animals, aid hunting, and amend soil nutrients. Here a controlled burn within Bui National Park is visible on the mountainside west of Ahenkro. The town's thatch-roofed market stands are visible (right) as are branches of the majestic kapok tree that once shaded the market on the south edge of town. Thatched roofs could easily catch fire and Ahenkro suffered major fires several times during the 20th century. Ahenkro, December, 1982.
A storm in late 1999/early 2000 brought down the majestic kapok (Ceiba pentandra) tree that stood over the former market site on the south side of Ahenkro. Here the fallen tree is in the process of being cut and hauled away. Chickens and a goat forage in the foreground. Ahenkro, May, 2000.