Wildlife Division officers of the Forestry Commission in the Central region have initiated operations to confiscate a variety of bush meats from chop bar operators in the area.
During the operation, which occurred on Wednesday, the team confiscated more than 100 bush meats, including some that were stored in refrigerators.
Additionally, some of the meat was taken from bowls of soup on cooking fires and from customers who had already purchased and were consuming it.
The affected chop bar operators were located in the Awutu Senya West District, Gomoa East and West Districts, and the Effutu Municipality.
In interviews with Adom News, some operators expressed disappointment with the conduct of the wildlife officers.
They claimed that the officers entered their establishments carrying firearms and other intimidating weapons, causing fear and panic.
Ernestina Adumia Anning, the Public Relations Officer of the Wildlife Division, explained that the operation aimed to enforce the ban on hunting bush meat. She further indicated that the team would soon extend their efforts to the roadside to crack down on those selling bush meat to travelers.
Anning emphasized that the chop bar operators whose meat was confiscated would face legal processing and fines.
Furthermore, she advised the general public to refrain from consuming bush meat, as anyone found in violation of this ban would face arrest.