A district court in Nkroful has sentenced a 48-year-old rubber tapper to three years in prison for illegally hunting animals inside the Ankasa Conservation Area in Ghana’s Western Region.
The man was convicted after being found guilty of unlawful entry and hunting in the protected forest reserve. His actions violated the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023, which protects wildlife and natural habitats across the country.
Authorities explained that the Ankasa Conservation Area is one of Ghana’s most important biodiversity reserves. The forest is home to several rare and endangered species, including forest elephants, monkeys, and other primates.
Wildlife officials say the court’s decision highlights the seriousness of protecting Ghana’s natural resources. They noted that illegal hunting and poaching threaten wildlife populations and damage the ecological balance of protected areas.
According to authorities, the conviction should serve as a strong warning to others that unlawful hunting in protected forests will not be tolerated.
Conservation groups have also welcomed the ruling, saying stronger enforcement of wildlife laws is essential to safeguard Ghana’s biodiversity for future generations.
