The Kojokperi Traditional Council in Ghana’s Upper West Region has declared an immediate ban on all illicit hunting activities across the Kojokperi Traditional Area, spanning communities in the Dafiama Bussie Issa District.
The directive, issued by Paramount Chief Kuori Musa Nadi Kibei II, targets a surge in unlawful hunting that threatens wildlife in the nearby Gbele Game Reserve, farmland security, and environmental sustainability.
Affected communities include Kojokperi, Duang/Namuagu, Jolinbee/Jolinyiri, Challa, Kpare/Jinpensi, Kinkelee, Wahabu settlements, Vietor, and Bogipulun.In a statement signed by Duang/Namuagu Kuori Sumaila Tambagikuon II on behalf of the council, authorities cited the indiscriminate use of unlicensed firearms, traps, poisons, and other methods. These practices have led to species depletion, theft of domestic guinea fowls, crop damage, and broader security risks.
Key Provisions of the immediate ban include Prohibition of all illicit hunting in forests, farms, sacred groves, and community-protected lands, ban on unlicensed firearms, chemicals, traps, and destructive methods and halt to the sale and distribution of illegally obtained bushmeat.
Enforcement will involve the Traditional Council, Ghana Police Service, community watchdogs, Gbele and Wildlife Authorities, and other security agencies. Violators face weapon confiscation, traditional fines and sanctions, and potential prosecution under Ghanaian law.
Community leaders, assembly members, and opinion leaders have been tasked with disseminating the information widely.
This move aligns with national efforts to combat wildlife crime and promote sustainable land use in agrarian areas like Kojokperi, a key farming hub.
