Hunting Calendar in Greater Accra: The Thrill of Hunting Events and Traditions, Legislation & General Hunting Rules and Permits

Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the Greater Accra Region The Greater Accra Region operates a highly restricted hunting season from November 1 to January 31, the shortest in Ghana due to urban encroachment and protected coastal wetlands. The Wildlife Division coordinates with Metropolitan Assemblies to adjust dates based on migratory bird patterns, often closing early when rare species are spotted in the Sakumo Lagoon Ramsar Site. Unique to this region are urban edge permits required within 10km of Accra's boundary and night hunting bans extending 24km from Kotoka Airport. Since 2023, all hunters must use suppressed firearms and thermal imaging scopes must be registered with the Airport Security Force. Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity The brief November window offers prime hunting for grasscutters in the Densu Delta grasslands, while December-January provides limited opportunities for harvest mice in abandoned farmlands. The region hosts the Accra Waterfowl Conservation Hunt (January), where licensed hunters help control invasive Egyptian geese populations, and the Teshie Traditional Net Hunt (December), preserving Ga fishing-hunting techniques. Bird hunters target November for spur-winged lapwings before they disperse. All hunting ceases February-October when migratory birds nest and most mammals retreat to protected zones. Protected Species and Urban Restrictions in the Greater Accra Region Absolute bans protect all primates, sea turtles, and 93 bird species listed under the Ramsar Convention. Special no-hunt corridors extend 500m either side of major highways and 1km around telecom towers. The entire metro area prohibits hunting within 15km of Independence Square, with additional permanent bans in the Lavender Hill and Korle Lagoon ecological zones. Since 2022, all harvested rodents require veterinary inspection at designated checkpoints. Licensing Process and Urban Requirements Foreign hunters need an Urban Fringe Permit (≈$3,000 for 14 days) through the Wildlife Division HQ, submitting police clearance certificates, noise pollution test results, and GPS-tracker deposit fees. Local hunters require chieftaincy approval and must pass ballistics fingerprinting at Burma Camp. The Accra Hunters Collective provides mandatory Ga-speaking escorts for all expeditions. Penalties for Violations in the Greater Accra Region Urban hunting offenses incur fines up to 150,000 GHS (≈$12,500) plus automatic firearm confiscation, with airport zone violations punishable by terrorism charges. Wildlife officers conduct undercover operations posing as food vendors in Madina and Ashaiman markets. All hunters must carry biometric ID cards - loss results in immediate permit cancellation. Tactical Recommendations For urban-edge game, .22 LR suppressed rifles are mandatory for rodents, while crossbows work best near sensitive areas. Reflective urban camouflage helps near development zones. Hunt stormwater drainage channels at pre-dawn when animals move between green spaces. The Ga silent stalk - using traffic noise for cover - proves essential here. Conservation Hunting Events in the Greater Accra Region The Ramsar Wetland Challenge (January) combines invasive species control with traditional hunting, while the Aburi Botanical Gardens Night Patrol (December) licenses problem porcupine removal. The Accra Conservation Hunters Expo showcases urban wildlife management techniques.