Ghana's Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2022, aimed at enhancing ecotourism, job creation, and economic growth, is currently awaiting Presidential assent, according to Mr Nyadia Sulemana Nelson, the Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission.
Speaking at a media briefing on the Commission's activities for 2023, Mr Nelson highlighted the bill's objectives, emphasizing the need for a robust regulatory framework to attract private investments into the wildlife sector.
The Bill aims to revise and consolidate all laws related to wildlife and protected areas, aligning them with existing policies and emerging trends in the natural resources sector.
It also focuses on the effective implementation of international conventions on wildlife and fostering private sector participation in the establishment and management of zoos, as well as private wildlife sanctuaries.
Mr Nelson stressed the importance of private sector involvement, stating, “The private sector has already demonstrated interest in participating in the development of the sector, and since the government cannot do it alone, we need to create the enabling environment to attract the necessary private investments into the sector, with a strong regulatory framework.”
Ghana, blessed with abundant natural resources, holds significant potential in ecotourism and aims to position itself as a major ecotourism destination globally.
Richard Gyimah, the Director for Stakeholders, Ecotourism, and Wildlife at the commission, emphasized the role of private investment in expanding the subsector and creating job opportunities.
“We always say the private sector is the engine of growth, so this is another area we have identified that the private sector can partner with the government to induce growth in the country,” stated Mr Gyimah, adding that such partnerships would provide legal backing to deepen collaboration.
Private sector involvement is anticipated to generate more jobs for tour guides, zookeepers, rangers, and the hospitality industry. It will also facilitate access to a broader range of wildlife species for researchers and academic institutions, enhancing the overall ecotourism experience in Ghana.
Mr Gyimah expressed confidence that private participation would elevate Ghana's ecotourism standards to international levels, resulting in increased tourism revenue and foreign exchange. “With private sector participation, we believe these revenue numbers will increase, and we will increase the revenue accruing to the state,” he said.
The sector has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly post-COVID-19. Visitor numbers to ecotourism sites increased from 300,000 in 2022 to nearly 400,000 in 2023.
The Commission aims to attract at least 500,000 visitors in 2024. In 2022, the visits generated 4.5 million Ghana cedis (374,000 U.S. dollars), and in 2023, this figure rose to 6.0 million cedis (499,000 dollars).
Looking ahead to 2024, the Commission has outlined key plans, including the completion of reclamation and revegetation activities in mined-out sites, submitting Legal Acquisition Findings (LAF) for Rosewood to the CITES Secretariat in Geneva, and obtaining approval for a Rosewood quota.
Additionally, plans include securing US$7 million in funding for private plantation development and initiating the Koforidua Zoo project with a sod-cutting ceremony.