Takoradi, March 3, – The Nkroful District Court has sentenced a 48-year-old rubber tapper to three years’ imprisonment for illegal hunting activities within the Ankasa Conservation Area.
Ofori Annor, a resident of Elubo, pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted on his own plea.
He was arrested by patrol rangers during a routine anti-poaching operation in the protected area and subsequently arraigned before the court.
Annor was charged with unauthorised entry into a wildlife protected area, possession of a weapon and explosives in a protected area, and hunting of wild animals, contrary to Sections 10 (1), 11 (1)(a), 36 (1)(b), 11 (1)(b), and 19 (4) of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).
The court, presided over by Her Ladyship Awo Amissah French, found him guilty on all three counts and imposed a custodial sentence of three years.
Mr Bona Kyiire, Park Manager of Ankasa Conservation Area, described the conviction as a major boost to conservation enforcement efforts. He said intensified patrols had been undertaken to clamp down on illegal hunting and protect biodiversity in the forest reserve.
He commended the rangers for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that the successful prosecution would serve as a deterrent to others engaged in wildlife crimes.
The Forestry Commission, through its Wildlife Division, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural heritage and preserving the ecological integrity of Ankasa for future generations.
GHBUSS
March 3, 2026
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