Why is this bill important for CREMAs in Ghana?
The law now acknowledges the authority granted to a Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) to supervise the hunting, capturing and trade of wildlife and wildlife products in its Management area. Also, it introduces higher penalties and sanction regimes for wildlife offences, which is deterrent enough to protect wildlife resources.
Another clarity brought by the now passed Bill is the definition of wildlife as “any animal, or plant, or other organism, indigenous or naturalized in Ghana, found in the wild” meaning the CREMA has authority on both its fauna and flora products.
What does this mean for international organizations and or conventions?
The new legislation consolidates all laws relating to Wildlife and Protected Areas and bring it in conformity with existing policies. It also ensures the effective implementation of International Conventions on Wildlife, of which Ghana is a signatory (CITES, RAMSAR etc.). For example, a CITES National Management Authority and Scientific Authority is established to achieve the objectives of CITES.
Furthermore, compliance to the published principles and guidelines on forest management of various international organizations which Ghana has endorsed is captured in this bill.
What are the next steps after passage of the bill?
This legislation sets the tone for international organizations and private sector to channel more financial resources towards the capacity building of the CREMAs for the monitoring and enforcement of the law in their respective Community Protected Areas.
Also, the passing of this bill into law is an important step for Ghana towards its commitment to biodiversity conservation.
