Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).

The Wildlife Resources Management Act aims to promote sustainable wildlife management, conservation, and community involvement in protecting Ghana's biodiversity. It sets clear guidelines for wildlife protection, licensing, and enforcement to safeguard the country's natural heritage for future generations.The Act outlines the functions of the Commission including managing protected areas, establishing advisory committees, and promoting sustainable tourism development within these areas, while ensuring environmental safeguards and community involvement. Additionally, it assists local communities in establishing and managing Community Resource Management Areas, enforces regulations on hunting and trading of wildlife, and represents the government in international wildlife conventions. It establishes Protected Area Management Advisory Committees for each area to integrate local community needs and ensure conservation efforts align with national objectives.
The Act also addresses the implementation of international conventions, such as CITES, by establishing a National Management Authority and Scientific Authority to advise on compliance and species conservation. It sets penalties for offenses related to wildlife, including fines and imprisonment for breaches of licensing terms, damage to protected areas, and illegal introduction of animals or vegetation. Furthermore, the Act emphasizes the importance of management plans for protected areas, requiring their development, implementation, and periodic evaluation to ensure effective conservation strategies. It also allows for the collection of fees from visitors to protected areas, with revenue benefiting adjacent communities. The text consists of 40 Articles divided into 8 Sections referring to Wildlife-Ownership, Implementation, Objects and Functions; Protected Areas; Management of Wildlife outside Protected Areas; Licences and Permits; Management of Wildlife in Captivity; Provision Relating to International Conventions; Authority Administrative Provisions; and Miscellaneous Provisions.