The Wildlife Division (WD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) has officially launched the 2026 Closed Season Observation at Nkurakan in the Eastern Region, marking the commencement of the annual nationwide ban on the hunting, capturing and destruction of wild animals.
The Closed Season, which takes effect from 1st August and ends on 1st December, is a legally mandated period during which wildlife is protected during its breeding and nurturing season to allow animal populations to recover and thrive. Observed under the theme, “Protect Wildlife, Preserve Life”, this year’s campaign seeks to reinforce the importance of wildlife conservation in safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining healthy ecosystems and securing sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the MCE of Yilo Krobo, Hon. Francis Addo Akumatey, described community participation as the cornerstone of effective wildlife conservation and ecological sustainability. He appealed to hunters, farmers and community members to comply fully with the Closed Season regulations and pledged the Assembly’s continued collaboration with the WD and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental education, enforce wildlife protection laws and promote sustainable alternative livelihood programmes.
The Chairperson for the occasion, Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Oklepeme Nuer Anorbaa Sasraku II, in delivering his remarks, emphasised the ecological importance of wildlife and the Closed Season. He called on traditional leaders across the country to educate their communities on the need to suspend hunting activities and support efforts to protect wildlife during the period.
In his address, the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Dr. Joseph Boakye, Esq., explained that the Closed Season was not intended to deprive people of their livelihoods or traditional delicacies, but rather to ensure that wildlife species had adequate time to breed, nurture their young and replenish their populations.
He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to enforcing the Wildlife Resources Management Act, promoting responsible natural resource management, intensifying public education, strengthening protected area management and enhancing law enforcement. He added that the Division would continue working closely with local communities through the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) concept to safeguard Ghana’s biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive of the FC, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, the Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Mr. Elikem Kotoko, admonished the public to desist from illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking and bush burning, stressing that conserving wildlife today was essential for securing the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
He further explained that the Commission is promoting wildlife conservation through ecotourism development which provides opportunities for people to appreciate Ghana’s rich biodiversity while creating sustainable employment and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. He disclosed that the FC is currently considering several investment proposals from both local and international partners to develop ecotourism facilities within selected wildlife protected areas and forest reserves.
The Chairman of the FC Board, Mr. Isaac Essien, Esq., delivered the keynote address and officially launched the 2026 Closed Season on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah – Kofi Buah, MP. In his address, he stated that protecting wildlife is fundamental to preserving biodiversity, strengthening resilience to climate change, improving food security and safeguarding water resources.
He noted that the Government remained committed to strengthening wildlife conservation through the operationalisation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023, including the development of the required Legislative Instrument for its implementation, adequately resourcing forest and wildlife resource guards, promoting strategic partnerships, supporting scientific research, enhancing community participation in natural resource management and mobilising resources for biodiversity protection.
Mr. Essien further stressed that although enforcement remained essential in combating wildlife crimes, public cooperation was equally indispensable. He therefore appealed to all Ghanaians to become ambassadors for wildlife conservation by respecting the Closed Season and complying with the country’s wildlife laws.
The event also featured an exhibition by the Wildlife Division’s Public Relations Unit, poetry recitals by pupils, and solidarity messages from the Ghana Education Service, security services and traditional authorities, all geared towards raising public awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.
As part of activities marking the launch, the Wildlife Division organised a conservation debate involving students of Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua. The students competed in two teams, Parrot and Pangolin, with Team Parrot emerging victorious. Team Parrot received a cash prize of GH¢5,000, while the school was also presented with GH¢5,000. The teachers also received GH¢2,000 in recognition of their guidance and support. Certificates, exercise books, pens and a trophy were also presented to the participants in recognition of their outstanding performance and commitment to wildlife conservation education.
The launch brought together other key officials including FC Board Member representing Wildlife Trade and Industry, Mr. Tettey-Hevy Oman; Acting (Ag.) Executive Director, Timber Industry Development Division, Dr. Richard Gyimah; management and staff of the Forestry Commission.
The 2026 Closed Season Observation is expected to strengthen nationwide efforts to conserve Ghana’s wildlife resources, improve compliance with wildlife protection laws and promote public participation in safeguarding the Ghana’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.