News
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
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
