The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is developing a draft National Animal Welfare Policy to regulate the treatment of animals in tourism and hospitality facilities, and the promotion of responsible sourcing of animal products.
The policy, being developed in collaboration with the Animal Welfare League, an NGO, seeks to establish minimum standards for animal welfare across GTA-licenced tourism enterprises and attractions.
The authority has begun stakeholder consultations to gather views on the proposals, with four engagements planned across the country.
The consultation is expected to be completed by the end of this month, after which the draft would be reviewed and revised.
Similar stakeholder engagements would be held in the middle, northern and south-west sections of the country to broaden consultations before the authority reviews the contributions and determine the next steps.
The process is to ensure that industry players contribute to shaping the policy before its adoption and implementation.
Consultation
Speaking at a tourism sector stakeholders engagement on animal welfare in Accra, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration of GTA, Ben Anane Nsiah, said the consultations would help stakeholders examine practical ways to improve animal welfare across the industry.
He said the draft policy proposed standards for providing animals with appropriate food and water, suitable shelter and living conditions, protection from pain and distress, and opportunities to express natural behaviour.
Staff awareness, veterinary care, responsible sourcing and the management of interactions between visitors and animals were also important elements of the proposed framework.
Policy
The Director of Product Development & Investment at the GTA, Alexander Nketla, said the initiative formed part of the authority’s efforts to incorporate animal welfare into its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment to promote responsible and sustainable tourism.
He explained that visitors’ experiences extended beyond traditional attractions such as castles and forts to include their interactions with the wider tourism environment, including transportation and accommodation.
He said the treatment of animals was becoming an important consideration for tourists who were conscious of animal rights, and therefore expected destinations to demonstrate responsible practices.
“Under the draft policy, covered facilities would be required to adopt and annually review institutional animal welfare and responsible sourcing policies, appoint Animal Welfare Officers and provide veterinary oversight for animals under their care.
“They will also be required to maintain valid permits and animal inventories, provide species-appropriate housing and diets, and comply with biosecurity, humane transportation and visitor interaction standards, among others” he said.
Ghana’s reputation
The Senior Communications Lead of the Animal Welfare League, Dr Emmanuel Nyamekye, said the treatment of animals in tourism facilities had implications for both animal welfare and the country’s reputation as a tourism destination.
He said animals were sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, distress and fear, as well as comfort and contentment, requiring businesses to treat them humanely throughout their lives.
“Wherever animals are part of our work, whether on our farms, in our attractions, at resorts or in our kitchens, we have the responsibility to treat them humanely throughout their life and also consider how our activities could affect their survival,” Dr Nyamekye said.
