Mr. Osman Iddris Adjei, National Ambassador for the Ghana Wildlife and Nature Conservation Advocacy (GWNCA), has underscored the enormous economic potential of wildlife conservation, stressing that protecting the country’s fauna could transform Ghana into a leading eco-tourism destination.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Berekum, Mr. Adjei said nations around the world were reaping significant foreign exchange earnings from wildlife-based tourism, and Ghana had the same potential if strict conservation measures were observed.
He emphasised that the annual hunting close season from August to December was not only about protecting animal populations but also about securing the long-term value of wildlife as a tourism asset.
“Wildlife conservation is fetching nations around the world huge sums of money through tourism. Ghana can do the same if we prioritise and preserve our species,” he noted.
Mr. Adjei called on government, communities, and civil society to step up public education on the importance of wildlife, adding that safeguarding biodiversity would not only maintain ecological balance but also open up new avenues for rural livelihoods and economic growth.
He further urged young people and hunters to refrain from poaching during the close season, warning that offenders could face prosecution and custodial sentences.
According to him, eco-tourism opportunities such as wildlife parks, reserves, and community-led conservation projects could significantly expand Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthen its global image as a sustainable travel destination.
