d Discovering Local Traditions The Upper West Region, located in the far northwest of Ghana, is known for its rolling savanna landscapes, historic settlements, and vibrant cultural heritage. In this predominantly rural area, hunting remains an important activity, woven into everyday life as a means of food security, economic support, and cultural expression. Despite modern environmental challenges, traditional hunting practices continue to thrive in many communities across the region. Geography and Natural Features of Upper West for Hunting The Upper West Region features a Guinea savanna ecosystem, with open grasslands, scattered trees, rocky hills, and seasonal rivers like the Black Volta and its tributaries. The region experiences a single rainy season and a long dry season, influencing wildlife patterns. Areas near the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary, the Gbele Resource Reserve, and the plains of Wa and Tumu provide habitats for a range of animal species, though human expansion and farming have reduced some natural spaces. Specificities of Hunting in Upper West Hunting in Upper West is predominantly subsistence-based, practiced mainly to supplement farming diets. Traditional techniques such as trapping, snaring, slingshots, bows and arrows, and trained hunting dogs are still common. Some hunters also use locally fabricated firearms. Hunting is most active during the dry season, when grasses are low and animals are more visible. Communal hunting expeditions, known as "gang hunts," are organized especially after the harvest season when communities have more leisure time. Hunters and Demographics in Upper West Hunting is generally carried out by adult men, though teenage boys are often introduced to the craft early, learning through hands-on mentorship. Women are involved in processing bushmeat, drying, smoking, and selling it in local markets such as Wa, Lawra, and Jirapa. Entire families may depend partially on bushmeat for nutrition and income, especially in areas where farming yields are unpredictable. In many communities, hunting is not only a livelihood but also a marker of skill, maturity, and social standing. Types of Game and Hunting in Upper West Medium to large game: Bushbuck, kob, oribi, duiker species, and warthogs. Small game: Grasscutters (cane rats), porcupines, hares, monitor lizards, squirrels, and mongooses. Birds: Guinea fowl, pigeons, doves, and francolins are frequently hunted for local consumption. Aquatic species: Frogs, turtles, and fish are harvested from seasonal pools and rivers. Protected species: Elephants, hippopotamuses (especially near the Black Volta), and pangolins are protected by national wildlife laws. Hunting Seasons in Upper West The Upper West Region follows Ghana’s national hunting regulations: Open season: From 1st August to 31st December, hunting of non-protected species is allowed. Closed season: From 1st January to 31st July, hunting is banned to allow wildlife populations to regenerate. Traditionally, the most intense hunting activity occurs between November and March, during the dry season, when animals are concentrated around remaining water sources and open spaces. Hunting Structures and Local Organization in Upper West Customary leaders such as chiefs, Tindanas (land priests), and family heads regulate hunting rights and forest use in rural communities. Sacred groves and specific riverbanks are often protected by community taboos, preserving biodiversity informally. Wildlife officers operate near formal reserves like the Gbele Resource Reserve, while NGOs and local initiatives promote community-based conservation to manage human-wildlife conflicts and reduce overhunting. Hunting Legislation in Upper West Hunting activities in the region are governed by Ghana’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations (LI 685). Hunting protected species is illegal, and hunters are required to obtain licenses during the open season. Certain hunting methods—like poisoning, use of fire, and explosives—are banned. However, enforcement can be challenging in remote villages. Recent efforts aim to blend legal frameworks with traditional authority systems to create more community-driven conservation models. Hunting Traditions in Upper West Hunting holds deep cultural value among ethnic groups such as the Dagaaba, Wala, Sissala, and Lobi. It is often associated with rites of passage, bravery, wisdom, and communal pride. Successful hunters are honored in oral histories and songs. Some traditional festivals, like the Kobine Festival among the Lawra people, celebrate farming, hunting, and cultural resilience. Sacred animals and areas—such as the revered hippos along the Black Volta—are protected by strong customary taboos. Interesting Facts about Hunting in Upper West The Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary is a model for balancing conservation and traditional land use. Guinea fowl and grasscutter are two of the most popular and culturally important species hunted and farmed. Traditional hunting expeditions often involve group strategies, drum signals, and whistles for coordination. Sacred groves and ancestral lands remain effective natural sanctuaries for wildlife, managed by community belief systems. Some communities are exploring alternative livelihoods, like eco-tourism and sustainable grasscutter farming, to reduce hunting pressure. In Upper West, hunting remains a vital link between survival, culture, and tradition. As Ghana’s environmental policies evolve, fostering collaboration between rural communities, conservation agencies, and traditional leaders will be critical. By respecting both heritage and biodiversity, the Upper West Region can chart a future that honors its roots while sustaining its natural resources for generations to come.