Three men have been arrested for illegally hunting in the Ankasa Forest Reserve, located in Ghana’s Western Region.
The suspects, identified as Frank Odame, 36, from Assin Manso; Abraham Kwasi Sikapa, 45, from Yilo Krobo; and George Avi, 48, from Akatsi, were apprehended by a patrol team at the Dadwen Range Camp.
The patrol team, made up of five Resource Guards, discovered three unlicensed locally made shotguns, 18 live cartridges, seven flashlights, and several cutlasses in the possession of the suspects.
Their swift action led to the arrest, which is being seen as a win for wildlife protection efforts in the area.
During the arrest, the suspects allegedly offered the guards GH¢7,000 in an attempt to avoid prosecution. The offer was rejected, and the men were handed over to the police along with the seized items.
Bona Kyiri, Park Manager at Ankasa Conservation Area, confirmed that the suspects were arraigned at the Half Assini Municipal Magistrate Court on July 17 and granted bail. They are expected to reappear on August 21, 2025.
“This arrest sends a strong signal that illegal hunting will not be tolerated,” Mr. Kyiri said.
He urged Ghanaians to support forest conservation efforts.
He also announced the start of a closed hunting season across forest reserves from August 1 to December 1, 2025.
During this period, hunting is only allowed for grasscutter, and only with a valid license issued by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.