Mr. John Allotey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has issued a call for collective action to protect the Kalakpa Forest Reserve located in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region. He expressed concern over the rampant illicit activities such as logging, charcoal production, and wildfires that are causing significant damage to the forest.
Speaking at this year’s World Wildlife Day in Adaklu, Mr. Allotey emphasized the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the situation and preserve the integrity of the forest. This year’s celebration focuses on the theme: “Connecting People and Plant: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.”
Highlighting the adverse impact of unlawful activities on the reserve’s natural beauty and tourist appeal, Mr. Allotey underscored the necessity for immediate and practical measures to combat them. Efforts are underway to relocate illegal residents living within the reserve, a strategy successfully implemented in other national parks such as Mole National Park in the Savannah Region and Gbele National Park in the Upper West Region.
The Commission is actively seeking funding to execute a similar operation in the Kalakpa Forest, urging all stakeholders to support national initiatives aimed at biodiversity conservation. Mr. Allotey also stressed the importance of leveraging digitalization to promote and market these reserves effectively, thereby attracting tourists and generating revenue for government and local authorities to fund development projects.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Commission has established an IT Directorate dedicated to spearheading innovation and digitalization within the Wildlife Division. This includes tasks such as data collection, research, animal tracking, and employing satellite imaging to monitor and address degradation within the reserve.
Dr. Joseph Boakye, Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, echoed the significance of wildlife conservation for human survival and called for deliberate actions to prevent activities that could threaten their existence. Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, reiterated the importance of preserving the nation’s forest reserves in a speech delivered on his behalf.
