New association aims to unify traders and hunters, promote food safety, and protect biodiversity across Ghana.
Accra, Ghana – In a landmark move for the bushmeat industry, the National Bushmeat Association of Ghana has been officially launched to enhance the sustainability, regulation, and ethical management of bushmeat trading in the country. The launch, spearheaded by traders and hunters, was held at the University of Ghana, Legon, and marks a new chapter for thousands of industry players across the nation.
The association’s core objectives include:
- Promoting unity among traders and hunters
- Enhancing capacity through training and skills development
- Regulating prices and curbing hoarding
- Ensuring food safety standards
- Supporting national wildlife conservation initiatives
Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Mensah, Director of Research at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, officially inaugurated the association. In his keynote address, he emphasized the significant role the association can play in transforming the sector through education, sustainable hunting practices, and advocacy. He further highlighted the need for partnerships with government and conservation agencies to protect endangered species and maintain ecosystem balance.
“The association has the potential to significantly improve the livelihoods of its members while contributing to biodiversity conservation. With the right strategies, we can ensure the trade is both profitable and sustainable,” Dr. Amponsah-Mensah stated.
Madam Comfort Badu, President of the association and Queenmother of the Atwemonom Bushmeat Traders Association, expressed her excitement and commitment to the cause. Representing thousands of traders and hunters nationwide, she pledged the executive’s dedication to ethical trade practices, stakeholder collaboration, and consumer health protection.
A representative from the Ministry of Health lauded the launch as a critical step toward sustainable wildlife resource management. “This collaboration will help protect both the livelihood of industry participants and the health of our forest ecosystems,” she remarked.
Mr. Patrick Essumang, Secretary of the Association, encouraged the media to report accurately and responsibly on the bushmeat industry. “We urge the media to engage directly with us to avoid misinformation that could damage the image of our trade,” he said.
Newly Elected Executives of the National Bushmeat Association of Ghana:
- President: Madam Comfort Badu
- Vice President: Mr. Yaw Fosu
- Secretary: Mr. Patrick Essumang
- Organizing Secretary: Mrs. Monica Quansah
- Assistant Organizing Secretary: Mr. Ishmael Asibi
- Treasurer: Madam Grace Tiwaah