Closed Hunting Season, Critical For Sustainability of Bushmeat Supply - Prof Edward D. Wiafe
To sustain the industry and other social benefits, a closed hunting season has been declared in Ghana for over 50 years now. Hunting of animals that are not under the direct care of human beings is prohibited by Wildlife Conservation Regulations L.I.685 of 1971″.
Joana Somiah 
The Dean, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Prof Edward D. Wiafe has called for strict enforcement of the ban placed on hunting during the “Closed hunting season”.
Closed season for hunting and capturing of the wild as announced by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (WD-FC) took effect on August 1, 2021, and ends on December 1, 2021.
He was speaking to the media on the importance of closing the Hunting Season. According to him, in exceptional grounds for grasscutters, all wild animals are prohibited from being hunted. Persons found culpable is liable on summary conviction to a fine.
Prof Edward Wiafe expressed that, “in an expected manner, closed seasons are designed to protect a species when it is most vulnerable or, sometimes, to protect animals during their breeding season.
In Ghana, it is prohibited to hunt, capture or destroy any wild animal listed as first schedule species i.e., species that are extinct, critically become so if hunting is not regulated.
Additionally, it is prohibited to hunt, capture or destroy any young animal or animal accompanied by the young between 1st August to 1st December, every year”
He acknowledged that hunting of wild animals has been a very important aspect of life in Ghanaian societies which provides the main source of animal protein to many people in the rural areas in the past and more recently palatable meat for the affluent in the urban societies.
“Currently in Ghana, some people such as Bushmeat dealers, Chop bar operators, and market women depend almost entirely on hunting to obtain essential commodities and cash income, while many other groups supplement their livelihood considerably through hunting.
To sustain the industry and other social benefits, a closed hunting season has been declared in Ghana for over 50 years now. Hunting of animals that are not under the direct care of human beings is prohibited by Wildlife Conservation Regulations L.I.685 of 1971″.
Prof. Wiafe reiterated; this season is necessary to allow the species targeted by hunters to replenish the stock.
“Closed season is the time of the year during which hunting an animal of a given species is contrary to law. An exception has been given to hunting of grass cutters, but even that, one must obtain a permit from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
As a reminder, this year’s closed season must be respected by all and all good citizens of the country must play their roles in ensuring the sustainability of the use of wildlife and its products. It is also an opportunity to contribute to the achievement of SDG 14 and SDG 15, to conserve life below water and on land respectively”.
William Ofori Akwaboa, Eastern Regional Correspondent
