Deputy Minister Highlights Importance of Stakeholder Engagement in Wildlife Conservation
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Honourable Alhaji Yusif Sulemana has emphasized the crucial role of stakeholder engagement in developing effective regulations for Ghana’s wildlife conservation. Speaking at the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), the Deputy Minister stressed that the consultation was vital in ensuring the Regulations are practical, inclusive, and reflective of ground realities.
The Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023, represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental governance framework, aligning with contemporary conservation principles, strengthening enforcement, and promoting community participation in wildlife governance. However, the Deputy Minister noted that effective implementation requires clear and comprehensive Regulations, hence the Draft Legislative Instrument.
The consultation, which brings together stakeholders from the Volta, Oti, Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, is part of a nationwide effort to engage stakeholders and ensure that the Regulations are informed by diverse perspectives and expertise. “This consultation is crucial in ensuring the Regulations are practical, inclusive, enforceable, and reflective of ground realities,” the Deputy Minister said.
Wildlife resources are ecological, economic, cultural, and social assets that support tourism, livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience. However, they are under pressure from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change. The Draft L.I. addresses governance, permits, community participation, trade regulation, enforcement, and international conventions.
Key areas of focus include Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs), benefit-sharing mechanisms, and institutional coordination. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the aim is to strengthen transparency, enhance compliance, and ensure conservation efforts are both protective and development-oriented.
“We’re committed to transparency and inclusive policy-making,” the Deputy Minister assured stakeholders, urging them to participate actively in the consultation process. “Share your technical insights, experiences, and recommendations. Let’s refine, fill gaps, and clarify provisions. This is your chance to shape Ghana’s wildlife governance framework.”
The Ministry and Forestry Commission will review and integrate inputs from the consultation before finalizing the Instrument. Government remains committed to sustainable natural resource management, fighting illegal mining and logging, and protecting wildlife resources as a national obligation.
The Deputy Minister declared the Consultative workshop open, wishing participants fruitful deliberations. The workshop is expected to contribute significantly to the development of a robust and effective regulatory framework for wildlife conservation in Ghana.
The Stakeholder Consultation Workshop is part of a broader effort to engage stakeholders and ensure that the Regulations are informed by diverse perspectives and expertise. The process is expected to culminate in the development of a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework for wildlife conservation in Ghana.
