During the close season, activities such as hunting, capturing, destroying, and trading of wildlife animals in forest reserves are strictly prohibited. The only exception to this ban is hunting for grasscutters, but hunters still require permission and a license from the FC.
Mr. Benito Owusu Bio, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized that the close season is essential for wildlife to breed and procreate. The period is part of the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable utilization and management of wildlife resources while protecting endangered indigenous species such as elephants, pangolins, parrots, porcupines, civet cats, and bongos.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to adhere to the close season and support the government’s initiatives to combat illegal activities in the forests and wildlife sector. Conserving and protecting forest and wildlife resources is vital as they contribute to food security, sustain rural livelihoods, and mitigate climate change and its adverse health effects.
Mr. Bio highlighted that the Parliament had passed the Wildlife Resources Management Bill, 2022, which consolidates all laws related to wildlife and protected areas and aligns them with existing policies and emerging trends in the natural resources sector. The new legislation will legally empower local communities in wildlife management through the establishment of Community Resource Management Areas and introduce stricter penalties and sanctions for wildlife offenses to serve as a deterrent to offenders.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that individuals who disobey the hunting ban during the close season will face legal sanctions, including prosecution.
