3 arrested for hunting wildlife in Ankasa Conservation Area

Police have arrested three men for allegedly engaging in illegal wildlife hunting within the Ayensu beat of the Ankasa Conservation Area.

A team of five resource guards from the Dadwen Range Camp was arrested on July 9, 2025, during a routine patrol. The incident occurred in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

The suspects have been identified as Frank Odame, aged 36; Abraham Kwasi Sikapa, 45; and George Avi, 48. All three are cocoa farmers residing in Mumuni, a community within the district.

According to officials, the patrol team recovered several items from the suspects at the time of arrest. These included three locally manufactured shotguns without licenses, 18 live cartridges, seven flashlights, and three cutlasses believed to have been used in the illegal hunting operation.

Aside from the weapons and tools, the guards also discovered the carcasses of several animals. These included one Bay Duiker, one Maxwell’s Duiker, and five Giant Rats.

Upon their arrest, the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the guards with an amount of GHC 7,000 in a bid to escape prosecution. The guards turned down the offer and reported the case as required.

The police handed over all items seized from the bust, including the GH¢ 7,000 and the suspects, to the Elubo Police. The matter is currently being investigated with legal proceedings underway.