GTA develops animal welfare policy to promote responsible tourism
The Ghana Tourism Authority is engaging stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry on a proposed National Animal Welfare Policy aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting animals used for tourism purposes.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is working with industry stakeholders on a proposed National Animal Welfare Policy. This policy aims to promote responsible tourism and safeguard animals used in tourism activities. The initiative comes in response to reports of animal cruelty at various tourist attractions. Director of product development and investment at GTA, Alexander Kwame Nketiah, emphasized the need for clear guidelines to protect animals and enhance Ghana's reputation as a responsible tourism destination.
The policy is expected to cover animals like monkeys, ostriches, and peacocks kept in captivity for tourism purposes. It will also address issues of responsible sourcing of animal products by hotels and restaurants. Nketiah pointed out instances where animals were restrained under conditions leading to injuries, raising concerns about their welfare.
GTA is exploring ways to encourage responsible sourcing of meat, poultry, eggs, and other animal products by hotels and restaurants. Research indicates that 71 percent of people interviewed in major cities and hotels are willing to patronize tourism facilities that treat animals humanely.
Dr. Emmanuel Nyamekye, Senior Communications Lead of the Animal Welfare League, emphasized the importance of addressing both the physical and mental well-being of animals. He stressed that as humans, we have a responsibility to ensure that animals in our care are treated humanely, considering their ability to feel pain, stress, and suffering.
Awareness of animal welfare is growing, but more public education is needed to help Ghanaians understand the significance of humane treatment. Nyamekye also commended farmers for their openness to learning and adopting better practices, urging the media to give more attention to animal welfare issues, especially on farms and within animal production systems. He stressed that the aim should be to promote compliance with accepted standards rather than merely punishing offenders.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
