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Mole National Park marks World Rangers Day
The Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve, has reaffirmed its commitment to protect the nation’s natural heritage through a powerful combination of technology, tourism, and community engagement.
Speaking to The Spectator last weekend during the commemoration of World Rangers Day 2025, the Park Manager, Mr Ali Mahama, emphasised the critical role rangers play in safeguarding the park’s ecosystems and how tourism was becoming a major force in driving conservation forward.
“World Rangers Day is a very important occasion for us. It’s a day to honour our hardworking rangers—those who risk their lives daily to protect our wildlife and forests. They are the heartbeat of the park. Without them, conservation here wouldn’t be possible,” Mr Mahama said.
This year’s celebration was marked under the theme “Powering Transformative Conservation in Mole National Park.”
According to the park manager, Mole is embracing innovation and smart monitoring systems to transform the way conservation is done. Tools like the Earth Ranger Monitoring System and the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) are being used to track wildlife movements and patrol routes in real time.
“These technologies help us protect animals more efficiently while improving the visitor experience. Tourists now benefit from safer, more informed, and rewarding adventures,” he explained.
Mr Mahama described tourism as a vital pillar of the park’s sustainability. “Every visit supports our operations— from ranger patrols to habitat maintenance. Mole is not just a place to see animals; it’s where nature, culture, and people come together. Tourists play a direct role in conservation by simply visiting.”
He also stressed the importance of local communities in the park’s management. Through the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) initiative, fringe communities are actively involved in protecting natural resources. They benefit from eco-tourism activities and play a key role in reducing illegal activities and conflicts between humans and wildlife.
The park offers a wide range of experiences including guided jeep safaris, walking tours, and birdwatching. Visitors can encounter elephants, antelopes, baboons, and over 300 species of birds, while also enjoying cultural interactions in nearby communities such as Mognori Eco Village.
“Mole is a national treasure,” Mr Mahama said. “We invite both Ghanaians and international tourists to explore its beauty, celebrate our rangers, and contribute to protecting this unique ecosystem. Your visit goes beyond leisure—it supports wildlife, jobs, education, and the environment.”
Why visit Mole National Park?
• Home to over 93 mammal species and 300+ bird species
• Uses real-time tracking technology to protect wildlife
• Offers cultural and eco-tourism experiences in nearby villages
• Ideal for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
• Tourism revenues support local communities and conservation efforts
Mole National Park remains one of West Africa’s most inviting destinations—where adventure meets purpose, and every visit helps protect nature for future generations.
From Geoffrey Buta, Mole
News
President John Dramani Mahama to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season in Accra
The 2025/26 Premier League will officially kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, performing the ceremonial kick-off ahead of the season opener between Accra Hearts of Oak and league debutants Hohoe United.
President Mahama will be joined by Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, members of the Executive Council and football fans from across the capital as the curtain rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years.
Giants Hearts of Oak will open their quest for a league title when they take on newly promoted Hohoe United under the floodlights of the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT).
The Phobians, bolstered by new signings and a strong pre-season campaign, are eager to end a four-year run without an opening-day victory, while United will be aiming to make a statement in their first-ever top-flight match.
Before the main fixture, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Black Starlets (Ghana U-17) and Auroras FC, the youth side of Hearts of Oak, at 4:00 pm local time.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, top Afro-dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla) will deliver a live performance at the venue, ensuring fans enjoy not only football but also top-class entertainment on opening night.
This season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with traditional heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and revitalized clubs all targeting glory. From title races to survival battles, fans are set for months of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.
News
GES opens promotion applications for teaching staff
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited applications from qualified teachers and officers for promotion to higher ranks within the service.
In a notice signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said the ranks available are Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
According to the statement, applicants must meet the minimum years of service required for each position.
Teachers seeking promotion to Deputy Director must have been promoted to Assistant Director I in or before 2021.
Similarly, those applying for Assistant Director I should have held the rank of Assistant Director II since 2021 or earlier.
Applicants for Assistant Director II must have been Principal Superintendents from 2021 or earlier, while those applying for Principal Superintendent must have been Senior Superintendent I since 2021 or before.
The GES stated that teachers with approved Master’s or PhD degrees may use their certificates to apply for promotion out of turn if the qualifications meet set conditions.
These include completing an approved course of study and obtaining the certificate after their previous promotion but not later than 2023.
Applicants are to complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format, except for the passport-size photograph.
The application window runs from Thursday, September 11, to Thursday, October 2, 2025. The GES urged all applicants who had applied earlier to re-apply.
By: Jacob Aggrey
