By Abdulai Zulkaninu
The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awurbi, has called on the management of Mole National Park and its partners to extend the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) concept to additional districts in the Savannah Region.
He noted that expanding the initiative to include the Central Gonja, Bole and Eastern Gonja districts will enable more communities to take ownership of natural resource protection and sustainable environmental management.
Mr. Be-Awurbi said the establishment of CREMAs represents a major step toward empowering local communities to take responsibility for protecting their natural environment.
He explained that the CREMA concept provides a structured and legally recognized framework for communities to restore degraded lands, protect shea landscapes and forest resources, curb illegal logging and unsustainable mining activities, and create alternative livelihood opportunities.
The Regional Minister stressed that the long-term sustainability of the CREMAs will depend largely on transparency, accountability, unity and strict adherence to their management plans. He therefore urged CREMA leadership to work closely with all relevant community stakeholders to ensure effective natural resource management.
Mr. Be-Awurbi also commended development partners supporting conservation initiatives in the region, including the Ecological Restoration Fund Project, Ghana Shea Emission Reduction Project, Ghana Landscape Restoration, A Rocha Ghana, and the Small-Scale Mining Project.
He assured that the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council (SRCC) will continue to collaborate with the Forestry Commission of Ghana and the various district assemblies to ensure the success of the initiative. And appealed to Forestry Commission to consider the youth of the area for employment opportunities.
The CREMA initiative is expected to strengthen community participation in wildlife conservation while promoting sustainable development for communities living around the Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.
The Regional Minister made the call during the inauguration of four Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) by the management of Mole National Park to enhance wildlife conservation and promote sustainable natural resource management in surrounding communities.
The DCE for North Gonja and MCE for West Gonja were in attendance
The inauguration ceremony, held on March 11, 2026, brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security personnel, students, community representatives and conservation partners.
The Regional Manager of the Wildlife Division, Moses Anongura, 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 wildlife conservation and natural resource management.
He added that the framework has gained stronger legal backing following the passage of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023, which formally recognizes the CREMA system under national law.
The Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, Yakubu Yussif Castro, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the districts involved in managing natural resources at the community level.
He stated that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable natural resource management and community-driven conservation.
The CREMA concept will empower local communities to serve as custodians of their natural resources rather than merely beneficiaries. He added that the initiative covers communities within the West Gonja Municipality, North Gonja District and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
Mr. Castro further noted that forests, wildlife, water bodies and fertile lands remain critical assets supporting the local economy and ecological balance, although increasing human activities and illegal practices continue to threaten these resources.
He also highlighted the tourism potential and peaceful environment of the West Gonja Municipality, which makes it suitable for conservation initiatives, and 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, Yagbonwura Bii-kunuto Jewu Soale I, represented by Chief Kulasewura Sakara, urged the CREMAs to symbolize unity, responsibility and foresight among participating communities.
He encouraged traditional leaders, committee members, youth and women to work together with transparency and fairness to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
The Acting Executive Director and Board Member of the Ghana Wildlife Society, Professor Erasmus Owusu, commended stakeholders for the initiative and pledged the board’s support to ensure its successful implementation.
Chairperson for the programme, Chief Abdallah Ahmed Tolodompewura, also encouraged members of the CREMAs to remain committed to their responsibilities.
He revealed that he has supported conservation efforts for many years without any financial reward and urged members not to use their leadership positions for personal financial gain.
The Assembly Member for the Apilso Electoral Area (Kananto-Kabampe) assured that the KK CREMA would work closely with leadership to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative.
The programme also featured the presentation of citation awards to some distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to conservation and community development around Mole National Park. Among the awardees were Chief Tolodompewura Abdallah Ahmed, Chief Gabasuwura JJ, Mr. Umaru Farouk Dubbuire, Kiire Bonah, and Hon. Mumuni Mohammed.
