Gbelle Resource Reserve Celebrates Jubilee to Mark Closed Season Observation 2025
Closed Season Observation of the Gbelle Resource Reserve 2025 from 1st August to 1st December.
The Forestry Commission and Wildlife Division celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Gbelle Resource Reserve and the launch of the closed season observation 2025 at Tumu in the Upper West Region to protect the Reserve for future generations, on the theme ” United Against Wildlife Crime for Our Common Future”.
The closed season observation is observed from August 1st to December 1st every year. The annual closed season ban on hunting of wildlife protects wildlife during their breeding and nurturing season, allowing them to reproduce and replenish their population.
During this period, the poaching and hunting of wildlife species is prohibited and a breach of this regulation is punishable.
In attendance were Hajia Fati Pognaa, a representative of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Major Martin Asuma of the Ghana Armed Forces, Madam Ernestina Anny, PRO of Forestry Commission Wildlife Division, the Executive Director of Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, MCE of Sissisala East municipality Hon. Adamu Yakubu, DCE of Sissala West District Hon. Gbene Fuseni Abudu, DCE of Daffiama Bussie Issah, the protocol officer of RCC Upper West Region, the police commander of Sissala East ASP Johnson Adusei-Poku and other staff, staff from the Mole National Park and students as well.
In the jubilee celebration of 50th anniversary and the launch of the closed season, Mole National Park displayed some skulls and skins of animals that died naturally and also encouraged the general public to adhere to the closed season to preserve our natural resources in the country, outlining the benefits of the Reserve.
The DCE of Daffiama Bussie Issa, Hon. James Wor in his speech commended the division for its success and also appealing to all the traditional chiefs and stakeholders to put measures to prevent cutting down of economic trees such as “dawadawa” trees for firewood and charcoal, overgrazing of cattle and also a ban of dawadawa trees to prevent pre-mature harvesting to maintain its nutritional benefits.
Also, Hajia Fati Pognaa a representative of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, highlighted the importance of wildlife such as ecotourism, research, medicine and environmental protection. “This is why the government of Ghana will continually support policies, programmes and activities geared towards the protection of wildlife resources, for the socio-economic development of the country. It is on this note of utmost importance that we all join the fight against indiscriminate hunting, bush fires, unregulated farming and poaching to help uphold wildlife resources as a valuable heritage of our motherland,” she urges.
She continued, “It is in this regard that the government launched the tree for life Reforestation initiative targeted at restoring 7 million hectares of degraded landscapes and is planting 30 million tree seedlings nationwide this year, to improve environmental conservation in the country”.
Speaking with the park manager of Gbelle Resource Reserve Dr. Polycarp Maabier, he said, “A great father leaves an inheritance for the great-grandchildren, but the wicked father leaves nothing for the children”.
He also emphasised conserving nature, securing the future and empowering local communities on the need to secure the future for future generations through unity among traditional leaders, the police and the court to join hands to fight this year’s closed season observation.
The Executive Director of Wildlife Division, forestry commission, emphasised the disadvantages of poaching and the cultural benefits of a Reserve.
He stated the prohibited hunting practices, which include hunting without a valid permit, group hunting, hunting at night, hunting using dogs and flares, trapping and trade in bushmeat without a valid license.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gbelle Resource Reserve since its establishment, there was a cultural display from different groups to showcase the rich culture in the region and to also entertain and promote peace among the people to ensure unity and diversity.
In addition, awards were also given to some deserving and hardworking staff for their commitment, massive support and significant contribution to the Reserve since its establishment. The jubilee 50th anniversary celebration of Gbelle Resource Reserve and the launch of the closed season observation is to enhance public awareness and community participation to combat wildlife trafficking in Ghana.
The 50th jubilee celebration of Gbelle Resource Reserve which was established in 1975 by the government of Ghana.
Source: dmediagh