Ghana joins International Big Cat Alliance to strengthen wildlife conservation

Ghana has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as part of efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation and protect big cat species.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said he presented Ghana’s signed agreement and instrument of acceptance to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Ghana.

The IBCA was initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other international partners in 2023 to promote the conservation of big cat species around the world.

“Ghana has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA),” Okudzeto Ablakwa announced in a social media post on Thursday, October 8.

He said Ghana’s membership would support efforts to protect species including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas and cheetahs.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, President John Mahama is committed to expanding Ghana’s wildlife reserves and strengthening measures to prevent the extinction of big cat species.

The North Tongu MP said the government also intends to intensify the fight against poaching, revive zoos and position Ghana as a leading destination for wildlife conservation.

“President Mahama is keen to expand Ghana’s wildlife reserves, prevent the extinction of big cats, combat poaching, revive our zoos and make Ghana a premium conservation destination,” he said.

The IBCA seeks to promote international cooperation in big cat conservation, including through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building and efforts to address threats to the survival of the species.