An Assessment of the Laws and Policies on the Iture-Abakam Wetlands: Issues of Protection and Management

Wetlands have been protected from exploitation by legislation over the years due to the important role they play in the ecosystem. However, in Ghana, recent occurrences have led to their exploitation. The Iture-Abakam Wetland of the Cape Coast Metropolis which has been reported to be the only single location in Ghana where all five of the mangrove species can be found is facing exploitation by certain individuals and organizations which should be prevented at all costs. Thus, this study aimed to assess the role the law plays and the systems that have been put in place to manage and protect the Iture-Abakam Wetland. Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders such as the personnel from the Wildlife Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Land Use and Spatial Planning Department as well as the Chief and Fetish Priest to seek their views on the laws and policies on the Iture-Abakam wetland. Findings from the study revealed that no law exists for the protection and management of the wetland as is the case for most of the non-Ramsar site wetlands in Ghana. The local laws that are used to protect the area are not adhered to as a result of little regard given to traditional laws and policies today. It is recommended that the various non-Ramsar sites such as the Iture-Abakam wetland should be gazetted and protected by national laws. The traditional authorities should also be empowered by the central government to implement any local laws and policies they may formulate to protect wetlands in their locality. Keywords: Ramsar Convention 1971, Ramsar-sites, Wildlife, Wetland, Policies, Iture-Abakam-Cape Coast, Protection of Nature