Wildlife Conservation : 2024 Closed Season On Hunting, Bush meat Trading Takes Effect

Aug 7, 2024 - 14:30
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Wildlife Conservation : 2024 Closed Season On Hunting, Bush meat Trading Takes Effect

 By Adu Gyamfi Odopa (gyamemma5@gmail.com)

The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission has announced the commencement of the 2024 closed season on wildlife hunting and bush meat trade in Ghana effective August 1 to December 1, 2024. 

It is announced on the theme, "Wildlife: A Heritage We Must Conserve" with an urgent call on all and sundry to abide by the directives. 

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) 

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

 In an interview with Journalists on Tuesday at Nkoranza in the Bono East region, Mr Yeboah stated that during this period, an official ban is placed on hunting, capturing of wildlife as well as chop bar operators and general public who engaged in bush meat trade.

He however stated that grass cutters are exempted from the ban though hunting and trading licenses are needed in the specie's gaming. 

Mr Yeboah emphasized that the closed season serves as a break for wild animals breeding period and allows offsprings to be nurtured by their mothers. 

He 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 advice the general public to refrain from all illegal hunting and Bush meat 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 called on the security agencies and the general public to support the closed season efforts by observing wildlife laws, reporting breaches and advocating for wildlife conservation.

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