Stakeholders urged to join forces in safeguarding Ghana's rich wildlife and natural resources

The sustainable management of wildlife and natural resources is essential to Ghana's ecological health and the livelihoods of rural communities. To address emerging challenges and improve wildlife governance, the government of Ghana has enacted the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).

The new legislation provides a comprehensive framework for wildlife protection, regulations for hunting, and the management of protected areas.

To ensure proper implementation and widespread understanding of the Act and the proposed legislation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, together with the Forestry Commission, have organised a workshop on Tuesday, 29th October, 2024, in Elmina, in the Central Region.

Addressing stakeholders at the forum, Hon. Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister in charge of Lands and Forestry, alluded that the legislation provides for a new management structure to give legal backing to the involvement of local communities in wildlife management through the creation of Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs).

He added that the law will provide a higher penalties and sanctions regime for wildlife offenses, which are deterrent enough to protect our wildlife resources.

Hon. Konadu acknowledged the role of stakeholders as pivotal in ensuring the success of the legal frameworks, saying, "This workshop provides a platform for all of you to share insights, raise concerns, and make suggestions on how best to address any potential challenges in the implementation of the Act and the CREMA Model."

He encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to renew their commitment to safeguarding Ghana's wildlife and natural heritage.

Explaining the need for the amendment of the old Wildlife Resources Act, Lawyer Albert Agyepong from the Crabbe Law Firm said the new Act addresses the conservation of both flora and fauna species, and the involvement of community and private participation in preserving Ghana's rich biodiversity.

Lawyer Agyepong further discussed licenses and permits needed to capture or keep wildlife for approved purposes if it does not have ecological health and some administrative provisions in the Act, 2023.

The interactive session ended with the Technical Director of Forestry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, assuring participants that ideas exchanged, feedback, and insights provided will be considered and implemented.