The Forestry Commission (FC) in the Western Region has announced a ban on hunting or capturing of wild animals effective Sunday, August 1, 2021, so as to check the fast decline of wildlife in the country’s forest bodies.
The ban, which is declared annually and known as the “Close Season” is in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Regulation 197, LI 685 is to be in force until Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
Mr Enoch Amasa, Western Regional Director of Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission who gave the hint in an interview hinted that persons found to have flouted the ban will be held liable for the offence.
He explained that while it will be illegal throughout the period to hunt, capture or destroy any animal, a special licence can be issued to persons who want to hunt grass-cutter, also known as ‘Akrantie’.
He further explained that the annual ban on hunting, capturing and destroying wild animals otherwise known as “Close Season” begins on 1st August 2021 and ends on 1st December 2021 in conformity with the Wildlife Conservation Regulation 1971, LI 685.
Mr Amasa mentioned that during this period, it shall be illegal for anybody to hunt, capture or destroy any wild animal except the grass cutter (Akrantie), which can be done only under a Licence issued by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
He stated that the Forestry Commission has been of the view that the wealth of biodiversity the country has, is being lost due to encroachment, illegal mining, forest degradation, unbridled hunting among other things.
He called for the need to come together especially, communities close to forest and wildlife reserves to join hands in preserving the decline of wildlife in the country to sustain human livelihood and Ghana’s heritage.
