The Nkroful District Court sentenced 48-year-old rubber tapper Ofori Annor to 3 years in prison for engaging in unlawful hunting in the Ankasa Conservation Area.
Annor was found guilty on three counts: illegal hunting of wild animals, possession of a firearm and ammunition within a protected region, and unauthorized entry into a wildlife-protected area.
Sections 10(1), 11(1)(a), 11(1)(b), 19(4), and 36(1)(b) of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), which forbid hunting, unlawful entrance, and the carrying of firearms in designated conservation zones, are violated by the offenses.
Annor was captured by patrol rangers during a normal anti-poaching operation within the Ankasa Forest Reserve, according to information provided to the court.
When he was taken into custody, the authorities found a cutlass, five live rounds, and a shotgun. After more investigation, it was discovered that he had killed four huge rats and two Maxwell’s duikers inside the protected woodland.
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The Forestry Commission’s Wildlife Division has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Ghana’s biodiversity. Officials emphasized that sustaining ecological stability, safeguarding resources for future generations, and conserving national heritage all depend on preserving Ankasa’s distinctive ecology.
As part of ongoing efforts to stop poaching and safeguard the nation’s wildlife resources, the Commission said that patrols and monitoring in protected areas will be stepped up, and violators will be prosecuted more severely.
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