There has been an increasing call for the private sector to take part in the conservation and management of wildlife resources in the country. The Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission (FC) states that private financial investment is essential for the conservation, protection, and management of wildlife resources in Ghana.
Dr. Hugh Brown emphasised that Ghana is fortunate to have a diverse range of wildlife, including iconic species like the African elephant, as well as rare and endangered animals such as the Bongo, leopard, lions, and chimpanzees, which can be found in national parks, forest reserves, and ecosystems that benefit local communities.
Dr Brown urges the public to actively participate in protecting the environment, particularly the forests, which serve as the habitat for these wild animals.
“The Forestry Commission believes it is the responsibility of all citizens to conserve our wildlife resources and therefore, calls on all and sundry for support to ensure the sustainable management and development of Ghana’s wildlife and their habitats, to optimize their contribution to national socio-economic development,” Dr Brown said.
About 20 percent of Ghana’s land area is permanently allocated for biodiversity conservation, consisting of 11.5% forest reserves, 6% wildlife protected areas, and 2.5% sacred groves. The Wildlife Division manages 21 protected areas, including seven national parks, six resource reserves, two wildlife sanctuaries, one strict nature reserve, five coastal wetlands, and two zoological gardens. These protected areas have been legally designated and are permanently dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Executive Director of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Joseph Boakye, mentioned that the 2025 celebrations coincide with the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Dr. Boakye explained that the goal of the conservation framework is to ensure that the trade in wildlife species is legal, sustainable, and traceable. He noted that this year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Financing: Investing in Conservation Efforts that Benefit Both People and the Planet,” aims to emphasise the importance of adequate private sector funding for conservation efforts.
The theme also focuses on exploring innovative and sustainable approaches to financing wildlife conservation to build a resilient future for both people and the planet.
However, Dr. Boakye pointed out that financing for conservation remains insufficient to protect these critical ecosystems and species. He further stated that the Wildlife Division is responsible for the sustainable conservation, management, and development of Ghana’s wildlife resources for the benefit of all segments of society.
“Financing for conservation efforts remains insufficient to protect these critical ecosystems and species. The traditional approach to funding like governments allocation, grant from our development partners and revenue from ecotourism have proven inadequate and often unpredictable,” he stressed.
The Paramount Chief of the Kumawu Traditional Area, Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, stated that the subtheme “Wildlife Conservation: Investing in People and Planet” is both timely and relevant. He encouraged stakeholders to use the theme as a guide to explore innovative ways to support conservation initiatives.
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