Wildlife Conservation in Ghana: Conserving Our Heritage.

Wildlife Conservation in Ghana: Conserving  Our Heritage.

The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission has announced the commencement of the 2024 closed season on wildlife hunting  and bushmeat trade in Ghana effective from August 1, 2024, to December 1, 2024 with the theme, "Wildlife: A Heritage We Must Conserve"

This measure is in accordance with enforcing the Wildlife Conservation Regulation 1971, (LI 685) Section (3) backed by the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 3023 (Act 1115)

According to Jacob Kwadwo Yeboah, Assistant Law-Enforcement Officer and Tourism Manager at the Bui National Park, the closed season is a crucial measure for achieving sustainable management and development of Ghana's wildlife resources and their habitats.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Yeboah stated that during this period, there is official ban on hunting and capturing  of wildlife as well as chop bar operators and general public who engage in bushmeat trade. He however stated that, grasscutters are exempted from this ban but grasscutter hunting  and  trading licenses are needed to hunt and trade respectively in species. 

Mr. Yeboah emphasized that the closed season serves as a break for wild animals during breeding period and also allowing young animals to be nurtured by their mothers, and expressed that this will help increase wild animal population, and maintain biodiversity for a healthy ecosystem. 

He said,  the Wildlife Division will intensify communities, schools and public sensitization campaigns about the importance of wildlife to humans and the need for their conservation. 

He detailed that laws and regulations governing wildlife conservation in Ghana  is very punitive and violation of these laws can result in either court fines or imprisonment of not less than one year or even both. He therefore  advice the general public to refrain from all illegal hunting and bushmeat trade activities to avoid coming into scuffle with the law.

He emphasized that wildlife conservation is essential for human existence, providing numerous benefits, including medicine, food, recreation, cultural significance, research, and education.

"It also generates employment and revenues through ecotourism and wildlife trade, contributing to Ghana's socio-economic development", he said.

Mr. Yeboah therefore called on the security agencies and the general public to support wildlife conservation efforts by observing wildlife laws, reporting breaches and advocating for wildlife conservation.

For more information, contact Mr. Jacob Kwadwo Yeboah on 0246587517.

Source: Apiah-Kubi/Alrich24newsgh.blogspot.com