The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, has commenced a four-day workshop aimed at disseminating knowledge of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115) and discussing the proposed Legislative Instrument (LI) for the establishment and operation of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs).
This event, held in Takoradi in the Western Region, marks a vital step toward strengthening conservation efforts and promoting sustainable wildlife management in Ghana.
At the workshop on Monday, October 28, 2024, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Akwasi Konadu, emphasized the significance of the new Act in transforming Ghana’s approach to wildlife conservation. The Act, he noted, brings Ghana’s wildlife policies into alignment with international standards and ensures local community involvement in conservation efforts.
“The new law aligns Ghana’s wildlife policies with existing sector policies and enables the implementation of international conventions on wildlife, to which Ghana is a signatory,” Konadu stated. He stressed that the Ministry recognizes that legislation alone cannot address the complexities of wildlife conservation. Instead, collaboration and understanding among stakeholders are essential for the Act’s successful implementation.
Konadu further explained that the CREMA model, supported by the Act, empowers local communities to play a central role in managing natural resources, adding that an LI would be developed to address additional operational aspects discussed within the Act. “We want this document to reach all regions and communities, not just stay on shelves in Accra. Roles and responsibilities need to be clearly understood for effective implementation,” he added.
Albert K. Agyapong from Taylor Crabbe Law Firm gave an in-depth presentation on the Act’s new provisions, including penalties, wildlife management beyond protected areas, and adherence to international conventions.
The workshop featured an open forum session where participants provided valuable input and recommendations on the proposed legislation. The Ministry’s Technical Director for Forestry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, assured that all feedback from stakeholders would be incorporated into the Act’s implementation plan. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to transparent and accountable management of Ghana’s wildlife resources, promising a collaborative approach to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes.
