Wildlife Department's "Close Season" begins on August one

Accra (Greater Accra), 24th July 99, -

 This year's "Close Season" which seeks to restrict hunting in the country will be from August one to December one.

A statement signed by Mr E.L. Lamptey, Acting Chief Wildlife Officer, in Accra on Friday warned the general public, especially hunters and wildlife trappers, not to trap or kill animals during the period.

"During this period, most wild animals that form the bulk of protein supply to the rural areas are in their breeding season and killing them at this time will pose great danger to their survival.

"It is therefore illegal for anybody to hunt, capture or destroy any wild animal(s) anywhere in Ghana during the period.

"This is with the exception of the grasscutter which may be hunted with a license by the Wildlife Department."

The statement said "Close Season" which is August one to December one every year forms part of the Wildlife Conservation Regulation.

'' In spite of the immense contribution of wildlife resource to the socio- economic development of the nation, wildlife has been taken as a free resource and has consequently been undervalued and abused in the country."

The statement said it is expedient to manage the country's wildlife and regulate its consumptive use to ensure its sustainability to bring about efficient utilisation of wild animals.

It appealed to law enforcement agencies, police, district assemblies, traditional authorities and the unit committees to help to enforce the law.

GRi