Chop bar operators were left in a state of vexation after wildlife officers seized their variety of bush meat during a joint operation by the Wildlife Division and the Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission (FC) in the Greater Accra and Central Regions.
The porcupines, royal antelopes, and bongowere were either on display in the markets or on sale at the roadside by illegal poachers, while chop bar owners had animals confiscated from their fridges or others found boiling in soup on the fire at Adabraka, Agbobloshie, and East Legon, all in Accra, as well as at Winneba and Assin Fosu in the Central Region.
The three-day operation, conducted from October 22 to 25, aimed to enforce compliance with the closed season on wildlife established by the Commission to protect these species and promote regeneration.
The Public Relations Officer of the Wildlife Division of FC, Ms. Ernestina Adumea Anie, briefed the Ghanaian Times in Accra on Friday, stating that some poachers who attempted to prevent the team from carrying out their duties were arrested in the process.
She mentioned that during their monitoring and surveillance, the meat was seized from traders selling it red-handed.
“Other managers in protected areas are monitoring various districts and regions,” she added.
Ms. Anie further stated that the traders whose items were seized were educated against such practices.
“The most appropriate action would have been to arrest the perpetrators, but it was decided that, since they were first-timers, education and awareness creation were necessary,” she added.
The PRO stated that the exercise would be replicated in other regions to ensure compliance.
She advised operators in the business not to hunt or sell wildlife during this period.
The annual closed season, which commences from August 1 to December 1, requires that hunters, traders, and chop bar operators obtain a license to operate. Anyone who defaults will face fines or imprisonment.
The only animal that can be hunted is the grass cutter, but only with a license.
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