By Juliet Akosua Danquah
Ghana has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative focused on the protection and conservation of big cats.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a statement on X.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that he presented Ghana’s signed agreement and instrument of acceptance to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, during his official visit to Ghana.
“It was with great pleasure that I presented the signed agreement and instrument of acceptance to the distinguished External Affairs Minister of India, His Excellency Dr. S. Jaishankar during his visit to Ghana,” he stated.
The IBCA, initiated by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and other international partners in 2023, seeks to protect and conserve big cat species.
“The IBCA initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other international partners in 2023 seeks to protect and conserve big cat species including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas and cheetahs,” Mr Ablakwa noted.
He added that President John Dramani Mahama is committed to strengthening conservation efforts in the country.
“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.
