The Government of Ghana has expanded the country's protected areas network, creating 5 new national parks and wildlife reserves covering 500,000 hectares.
New protected areas:
- Asumura Wildlife Reserve (100,000 ha)
- Juabeso Bia Conservation Area (150,000 ha)
- Atewa Range National Park (200,000 ha)
- Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (30,000 ha)
- Sakumo Lagoon Reserve (20,000 ha)
Key features:
- Rich biodiversity (elephants, primates, birds)
- Important water sources (3 major rivers)
- Unique ecosystems (rainforest, wetlands)
- Endemic species (found only in Ghana)
- Carbon storage (climate mitigation)
Management objectives:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Wildlife protection
- Ecosystem services preservation
- Ecotourism development
- Scientific research
Benefits:
- Habitat for endangered species
- Protection of water sources
- Carbon sequestration
- Tourism revenue
- Scientific knowledge
Funding:
- GHS 50 million from government
- $20 million from Global Environment Facility
- Support from conservation NGOs
- Tourism revenue sharing
Community involvement:
- Local employment as rangers and guides
- Community resource management areas
- Benefit-sharing agreements
- Environmental education
- Support for buffer zone livelihoods
The expansion brings Ghana's total protected area to 2 million hectares (8.5% of land area), approaching the target of 10% under international conventions.
The Forestry Commission and Wildlife Division will manage the new protected areas, working with local communities and conservation partners.
