“Ghana’s Wildlife Under Threat: A Call to Action”
"Ghana's Wildlife Under Threat: A Call to Action"
Story by Fada Amakye
Ghana is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including 3600 plant species, 728 bird species, 225 mammals, and 221 reptiles and amphibians. However, these species are facing numerous threats, including illegal mining, hunting, and habitat destruction. Mr. Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, CEO of Adwinsa Publications, emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s wildlife, highlighting the role of species like chimpanzees as indicators of environmental health.
“These animals are not just animals, but they are also indicators of the health of our environment,” Mr. Amponsah said. He cited examples of species that can sense earthquakes and pollution, and stressed the need to protect them.
The Western chimpanzee, a subspecies found in Ghana, is 1 of 6 subspecies in Africa and is already extinct in three countries. Efforts are underway to classify it under the IUCN Red List, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.
Mr. Amponsah urged Ghanaians to take action to protect the country’s wildlife, saying, “We all have a call to contribute to the protection of these species.” He emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
However, the threats to Ghana’s wildlife are significant. Illegal mining, habitat destruction, and hunting are taking a devastating toll on the country’s biodiversity. Amponsah cited a recent study on the impact of illegal mining on primates, which found alarming results.
To address these challenges, Mr. Amponsah called for collective action to protect Ghana’s wildlife and preserve the ecosystem services they provide, including clean air, water, and temperature regulation. “When we lose these species, the ecosystem services that they provide, the clean air that we get, the good water that we get, the temperature regulations, services, all will be gone,” he warned.
The call to action is clear: Ghanaians must work together to protect the country’s wildlife and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
