Regulatory institutions and Stakeholders in the environment and wildlife sector have been urged to strictly enforce the provisions of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Akwasi Konadu, who made this clarion call, said the strict enforcement of the provisions of the Act would help to preserve the country’s wildlife resources for sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister stressed that, given the crucial role wildlife played in enhancing ecological resources, it is relevant to preserve it.
Speaking at a Stakeholders Consultative Dialogue organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its partners on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, the Deputy Minister noted that it is important to keep actors in the wildlife space abreast with the new law.
Enacted by Parliament in 2023 and assented to by the President on March 1, 2024, Act 1115 has provisions on wildlife ownership, protected areas, management of wildlife outside protected areas, licenses and permits, management of wildlife in captivity, international conventions as well as administrative provisions.
The Act, which replaced the Wild Animals Preservation Act, 1961 (Act 43), has consolidated and revised the laws relating to wildlife and protected areas and provided for the implementation of international conventions on wildlife to which Ghana is a signatory.
During the session, a representative from the Crabbe Law Firm, Prof.Clement Akapka explained the legal provisions of the legislation and its relations to international conventions.
The interactive nature of the dialogue also allowed participants to engage in discussion, ask questions and provide valuable contributions fostering a deeper understanding of the Act.
