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Mole National Park marks World Rangers Day
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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
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
