Management of Mole National Park has inaugurated four Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) to enhance wildlife conservation and promote sustainable natural resource management in surrounding communities.
The ceremony, held on March 11, 2026, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives and conservation partners from across the Savannah Region.
The Wildlife Regional Park Manager, Mr. Moses Anangura, explained that the event was organized to officially inaugurate the Sojakoda, Mayaba, KK and Kapite Nabonse CREMAs and to present devolution certificates to the beneficiary communities.
He noted that the CREMA concept was introduced in Ghana around the year 2000 to promote community participation in conservation. According to him, the framework now has stronger legal backing following the passage of the Wildlife Resources Management Act 2023, which formally recognizes the CREMA system under national legislation.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Lawyer Salifu Be-Awurbi, described the establishment of the CREMAs as a major step toward empowering communities to take responsibility for protecting their natural environment.
He said the initiative provides a structured and legally recognized framework for communities to conserve degraded lands, protect shea landscapes and forest resources, prevent illegal logging and unsustainable mining, and develop alternative livelihood opportunities.
The Minister noted that the sustainability of the CREMAs would depend on transparency, accountability, unity and adherence to their management plans.
He also commended development partners supporting conservation efforts in the area, including the Ecological Restoration Fund Project, the Ghana Shea Emission Reduction Project and the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project.
According to him, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council will continue to collaborate with the Forestry Commission of Ghana and district assemblies to ensure the success of the initiative.
The West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the districts involved.
He said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable natural resource management and community-driven conservation. Hon. Castro noted that West Gonja Municipality is widely known for its tourism potential and peaceful environment, making it suitable for conservation initiatives.
He explained that the CREMA concept empowers local communities to serve as custodians of their natural resources rather than merely beneficiaries. The initiative covers communities across West Gonja Municipality, North Gonja District, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
He added that forests, wildlife, water bodies and fertile lands remain vital assets that support the local economy and ecological balance, although increasing human activities and illegal practices continue to threaten these resources.
He therefore appealed to the management of Mole National Park to consider employment opportunities for young people in the area.
The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale I, who was represented by Chief Sakara, said the CREMAs symbolize unity, responsibility and foresight among the participating communities.
In a message delivered on behalf of the Yagbonwura, he urged traditional leaders, committee members, youth and women to work together with transparency and fairness to ensure the success of the initiative.
The ceremony was chaired by Chief Abdalah Ahmed Tolodompewura, who encouraged members of the CREMAs to remain committed to their responsibilities.
He shared his experience of working tirelessly in the past without pay but remaining determined to support conservation efforts.
He revealed that in the month of March alone he had received three citations in recognition of his work, urging members to remain dedicated as their sacrifices would eventually yield positive results.
Several individuals were honoured with citations for their contributions to conservation and community development around Mole National Park, including Chief Tolodompewura Abdalah Ahmed, Mr. Umaru Farouk Dubbuire, and Hon. Memuni Mohammed, among others.
The initiative is expected to strengthen community participation in conservation efforts while promoting sustainable development around Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.
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