In a recent crackdown, the police have arrested ten individuals for violating the temporary ban on hunting and trading assorted bush meat in parts of the Central Region. The suspects, comprising hunters and chop bar operators, were apprehended in Mankessim and Assin Fosu.

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A joint team from the Forestry Commission and Police Service confiscated meat from duikers, bush rats, and other wildlife species during the operation, which aimed to enforce the suspension (closed season) of hunting for wildlife animals from August to December this year.Ms. Ernestina Adumea Anie, the Public Relations Officer of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (FC), confirmed the arrests to the Ghanaian Times.

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Statements have been taken from the suspects, who are currently assisting the police in their investigations. According to Ms. Anie, the hunters were caught without licenses, while the chop bar operators were engaging in illegal trade of wildlife species.This crackdown is part of the ongoing efforts by the Wildlife Division of the FC, the police, and park managers to ensure compliance with directives protecting wildlife.

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Traders in the affected areas have been educated on the importance of suspending their activities during this closed season, which runs from August 1 to December 1, 2023.The closed season was instituted by the Wildlife Division of FC under the Wildlife Conservation Regulation, 1971 LI 685, with the aim of controlling the overexploitation of wild animals.

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During this period, hunting and capturing of wildlife are prohibited, allowing the animals to procreate and nurture their young ones without disturbance.Ms. Anie emphasized the Wildlife Division of the FC's determination to protect wildlife and the ecosystem in the country, urging stakeholders in the sector to collaborate in safeguarding these precious species.

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