On Friday, July 28, 2023, Parliament successfully passed the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2022 after its third reading.
The motion was presented by Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor.
The main objective of the bill is to revise and consolidate all laws pertaining to Wildlife and Protected Areas, aligning them with existing policies and emerging trends in the natural resources sector. Furthermore, the legislation will facilitate the effective implementation of International Conventions on Wildlife, to which Ghana is a signatory.
The newly passed legislation will also grant legal support to local communities in wildlife management through the establishment of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs).
Additionally, the bill introduces stricter penalties and sanctions for wildlife offenses, aiming to serve as a deterrent and protect wildlife resources effectively.
The Government, represented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, expresses its gratitude and commendation to all stakeholders and key actors for their valuable contributions and support throughout the review process, culminating in the successful passage of the Bill as a new piece of legislation.