covering Local Traditions Ahafo, one of Ghana’s newer administrative regions, is located in the forest-rich central-western belt of the country. Known for its lush greenery, fertile land, and rich biodiversity, Ahafo is home to numerous communities whose livelihoods have long included hunting as part of their cultural and economic life. Though modern pressures such as mining and agriculture are reshaping the landscape, hunting remains both a traditional practice and a contemporary survival strategy in the region. Geography and Natural Features of Ahafo for Hunting Ahafo’s terrain is dominated by tropical rainforests, forest reserves, and agricultural landscapes. The region hosts several forested areas, such as parts of the Asukese and Tano-Offin Forest Reserves, which serve as important habitats for a variety of wildlife. Rivers and streams such as the Tano River also provide essential water sources that support ecosystems rich in game. While these areas offer excellent grounds for hunting, increasing deforestation and human activity have impacted animal populations and access to traditional hunting zones. Specifics of Hunting in Ahafo Hunting in Ahafo is largely subsistence-based, practiced by rural dwellers to supplement their diet and income. Hunters often use a mix of traditional and modern techniques: traps, snares, and trained dogs are common, while single-barrel firearms are also increasingly used. Some hunters operate individually, while others form small teams for extended expeditions into forest zones. Though once a widespread cultural practice, hunting in the region now faces legal restrictions and changing public attitudes due to conservation concerns. Hunters and Demographics in Ahafo Hunters in Ahafo are typically adult men from farming communities, though hunting knowledge is often passed down from older generations to boys through oral tradition and hands-on practice. Women are not usually involved in hunting itself but play a central role in preparing and selling bushmeat, especially in local markets. Some families depend on hunting for livelihood, while others hunt seasonally or opportunistically, depending on food availability and crop cycles. Types of Game and Hunting in Ahafo Medium to large game: Grasscutters (cane rats), bushbuck, and duikers are among the most hunted species. Small game: Rodents, monitor lizards, squirrels, and ground birds such as francolins and doves are also common. Aquatic species: In riverine communities, hunting is sometimes combined with fishing for frogs and other amphibians. Protected species: Elephants, pangolins, and certain monkeys are legally protected under Ghana’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations. Hunting Seasons in Ahafo Ghana’s Wildlife Division regulates hunting seasons nationwide, and Ahafo follows the general national calendar: Official hunting season: From 1st August to 31st December, hunting of non-protected species is permitted. Closed season: From 1st January to 31st July, hunting is prohibited to allow animal populations to recover. Traditional practices may also influence hunting periods, with some communities observing customary taboos around sacred groves or breeding seasons. Hunting Structures and Local Organization in Ahafo While there are no large formal hunting associations in Ahafo, many communities operate under informal systems guided by chiefs, elders, and family heads. Some areas maintain traditional hunting rights based on clan lineage or land ownership. Occasionally, hunters collaborate for larger game hunts or community events. Wildlife rangers and the Forestry Commission also play a role in monitoring hunting within forest reserves and enforcing national laws. Hunting Legislation in Ahafo Ghana’s wildlife laws, including the Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1971 (LI 685) and more recent updates under the Forestry Commission, govern hunting activities. Hunting of protected species is illegal, and all hunters are expected to operate only during the open season. The use of certain hunting methods—like poisoned bait or uncontrolled bushfires—is also prohibited. While enforcement is stronger near forest reserves, it can be uneven in remote areas. Hunting Traditions in Ahafo Hunting is not just an economic activity in Ahafo—it is deeply embedded in cultural identity. In some communities, hunting is part of traditional festivals, storytelling, and rites of passage. Hunters may be revered for their skills and bravery, and tales of memorable hunts are passed down through generations. Sacred groves are often protected by custom and believed to be inhabited by spirits, making them off-limits for hunting. These beliefs have helped preserve pockets of biodiversity. Interesting Facts about Hunting in Ahafo The grasscutter is highly prized for its meat and is sometimes farmed as an alternative to wild hunting. Some hunters use drum signals and animal calls to attract or communicate during hunts. Bushmeat remains a staple in many local markets, although public awareness about zoonotic diseases is growing. The Tano River Basin, which runs through Ahafo, supports wildlife migration and is a key hunting and fishing zone. Sacred groves in Ahafo serve as community-protected conservation zones, passed down through ancestral land tenure. In Ahafo, hunting continues to reflect the balance between tradition, livelihood, and environmental stewardship. As Ghana promotes sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern wildlife management offers a promising path forward. Preserving both cultural heritage and natural ecosystems will ensure that hunting, where practiced responsibly, remains a meaningful part of Ahafo's rural identity.