Exploring institutional and legislative weaknesses in wildlife conservation: The case of pangolins in Ghana

Abstract

The conservation and safety of wildlife have become a global concern due to the heightened loss of biodiversity and its long-term impact on climate change. Amongst the species at risk, pangolins are particularly susceptible due to the high demand for their scales, meat, and other body parts for traditional medicine, exotic leather, and consumption, particularly in Asia and Africa. Despite the existence of international conventions, national institutions, and legislations designed to restrict pangolin hunting and trading in Ghana, these practices persist. This study explores institutional and legislative weaknesses in wildlife conservation, using pangolins in Ghana as a case study. Using a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews, the study revealed that although Ghana has wildlife institutions and legislations, there are weaknesses that limit their effectiveness in conserving wildlife. There is a significantly high level of ignorance and unawareness of the legislations and associated penalties among most hunters and traders of pangolins. On the other hand, wildlife officers are aware of the legislations, named security threats, inadequate logistics, and political interference as factors that impede the enforcement of these legislations. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen wildlife conservation institutions, legislations, and enforcement that may be relevant in other jurisdictions.