Staff of the Forestry Commission (FC) in the Northern Region, have undergone a sensitisation workshop in Tamale on the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).
The workshop sought to deepen participants knowledge of the new Act, highlighting its importance to wildlife conservation and management in Ghana. It also focused on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), stressing its role in regulating international trade in endangered species. In addition, participants were sensitised on the role of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) in promoting community involvement in wildlife protection.
The Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Dr. Joseph Boakye, Esq., described the workshop as crucial in ensuring that staff of the Forestry Commission and Wildlife Division (WD) fully understand the new law and its implications. According to him, Act 1115 provides a comprehensive framework for wildlife protection, regulation of hunting, and the management of protected areas. He added that equipping staff with knowledge of both the Act and CITES is essential for effective implementation and the promotion of sustainable wildlife management practices.
The Director of the Legal Department, Mr. Dennis Osei-Hwere, Esq., underscored the importance of protecting and conserving wildlife resources for future generations. He emphasised that wildlife plays a critical role in maintaining healthy forest reserves. He further urged management to balance sustainable use of wildlife resources with economic development.
Mr. Osei-Hwere Esq. also noted the limitations of the repealed Act 43, which, he explained, failed to address community participation in wildlife management and lacked strong deterrent sanctions for offenders. “There are no deterrent sanctions for wildlife offenders in Act 43, and this should have been addressed to strengthen punishment for offenders,” he remarked.
In his address, Mr. Michael Akowuah, Esq. Manager, Legal Department, commended participants and urged them to apply the laws in the discharge of their duties. He encouraged staff to seek support from the Commission’s legal team when necessary and highlighted the importance of establishing effective CREMAs to enhance the fight against poaching and illegal exploitation of forest resources. “You can arrest without a permit whenever you see someone destroying our forests or wildlife, it is provided for in the law,” he stated, adding that outdated legal frameworks had long hindered progress in wildlife conservation.
Dr. Boakye further explained that CITES certificates come in different forms to address varied situations and specimens across operational zones. He stressed that these certificates are key to ensuring international trade in wild animals and plants remains legal, sustainable and traceable.
