The Forestry Commission of Ghana has called for stronger action to conserve medicinal and aromatic plants as the world marks World Wildlife Day 2026 on March 3.
In a press release issued in Accra, the Commission said this year’s global celebration is under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlights the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and economic development.
According to the World Health Organization, medicinal and aromatic plants form the foundation of many healthcare systems around the world and remain vital to modern medicine, as many drug compounds are derived from natural sources. Beyond medicine, these plants also help stabilise soils, support pollinators and promote biodiversity.
The Commission noted that Ghana’s forests and savannah landscapes are rich in valuable medicinal and aromatic plants widely used in food preparation, cosmetics and traditional medicine to treat various ailments. These plants also support livelihoods, particularly in forest fringe communities.
However, the Forestry Commission warned that increasing pressure from over-harvesting, habitat destruction, illegal trade, bush burning, illegal logging and illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey poses serious threats to these resources. It cautioned that without deliberate conservation and replenishment efforts, many species could become scarce, affecting healthcare systems, biodiversity and economic stability.
The Wildlife Division of the Commission currently manages a large wildlife estate made up of seven national parks, six resource reserves, two wildlife sanctuaries, one strict nature reserve, five coastal wetlands and two zoological gardens. The division continues to promote conservation through public education, ecotourism development, law enforcement, research and livelihood support.
The Commission also revealed that work is underway to draft a Legislative Instrument to support the effective implementation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). The regulation is expected to provide clearer guidelines for protected area management, wildlife trade, licensing, and strengthening the Community Resource Management Area system.
As part of broader conservation efforts, the Forestry Commission said it has intensified measures to combat illegal mining and logging while strengthening Rapid Response Teams and Resource Guards with improved logistics, equipment and training. Forest restoration initiatives, including plantation development under the Modified Taungya System and enrichment planting, are also ongoing to restore degraded forest areas.
To mark the occasion, the national celebration of World Wildlife Day will be held at Abrafo in the Central Region with a focus on Kakum National Park. Activities will include a quiz competition among senior high schools, exhibitions and awards.
Kakum National Park, the most visited protected area in Ghana, features the famous 333-metre canopy walkway suspended between 27 and 40 metres above the forest floor and is home to a wide variety of medicinal and aromatic plant species.
The Forestry Commission is therefore urging herbal medicine producers, traders, traditional authorities, assemblies, civil society organisations, the media and the general public to work together to protect Ghana’s wildlife and plant species.
According to the Commission, protecting these natural resources is essential for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.
