The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission has announced that the 2026 closed season for wildlife will run from August 1 to December 1, 2026, during which the hunting of wild animals will be prohibited except for grasscutter, locally known as Akrantie.
The campaign is themed “Protect Wildlife, Preserve Life,” highlighting the connection between wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and human well-being.
“In accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1971 (L.I. 685), Section 3, there is a complete ban on the hunting, capturing and killing of all wild animals throughout the four-month period. It is therefore illegal for any person to hunt, capture or destroy any wild animal, except the grasscutter (“Akrantie”), during the Closed Season,” the Wildlife Division said.
The Forestry Commission urged hunters, bushmeat traders, restaurant and chop bar operators, as well as operators of wildlife facilities, to ensure they obtain valid licences and permits for wildlife products acquired before the commencement of the closed season. Wildlife products found without the required authorisation during the period will be confiscated.
Persons who violate the regulations risk a fine of between 250 and 500 penalty units, imprisonment for one to two years, or both upon conviction.
“For the 2026 Closed Season, the Division further urges all wildlife traders and businesses, particularly hunters, bushmeat traders, restaurant and “chop bar” operators, as well as operators of wildlife facilities, to ensure that they possess the appropriate licences and permits covering wildlife products acquired before the commencement of the Closed Season. Any wildlife products found without the required authorisation during the period will be confiscated,” the Wildlife Division stated.
The Wildlife Division also appealed to traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), civil society organisations, the media and the general public to support wildlife conservation efforts by complying with the closed season and reporting wildlife-related offences.
According to the Forestry Commission, the annual closed season is a legally recognised conservation measure aimed at allowing wild animals to breed, reproduce and replenish their populations while promoting the sustainable management of Ghana’s wildlife resources.
Under the Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1971 (L.I. 685), the hunting, capturing and killing of wild animals are prohibited throughout the four-month period.
The Wildlife Division officially launched the 2026 closed season on Thursday, July 30, at Nkurakan in the Eastern Region, a community identified as one of Ghana’s hotspots for illegal wildlife trade.
The launch featured a debate competition among senior high schools, an awards ceremony and an exhibition aimed at increasing awareness of wildlife conservation, particularly among young people.
Throughout the closed season, the Wildlife Division said it will intensify nationwide public education campaigns, community engagements, media discussions and enforcement operations to ensure compliance with the law.
The Commission attributed the decline in Ghana’s wildlife population to illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, illegal logging, chainsaw operations, bushfires and unsustainable farming practices.
It said these activities continue to threaten several species, including elephants, leopards, hyenas, bongos, bushbucks, pangolins, manatees, crocodiles, porcupines and tortoises.
To encourage public participation in protecting wildlife, the Division has introduced a toll-free hotline, 0800 355 364, for reporting wildlife crimes, including illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.