The West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) has renewed its call for stronger efforts to protect endangered primates, noting that 60 per cent of species worldwide are at risk of extinction.
“Primates are some of the most intelligent and social animals on the planet. They are vital seed dispersers for the health of their ecosystems, yet many face threats like habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade,” WAPCA said in a statement to commemorate the International Primates Day held on September 1 each year.
The local NGO, which operates in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, focuses its work on critically endangered species such as Miss Waldron’s red colobus (Piliocolobus waldroni), Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway), white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus), and the endangered white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus). Through breeding programs, research, conservation education, and community engagement, WAPCA seeks to safeguard biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
In line with these efforts, the organisation marked Mangabey Awareness Day (MAD 2025) on August 1 at the Accra Zoo, under the auspices of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
The event, held under the theme “Sustainable Consumption for Primate Conservation: Connecting Everyday Choices with Biodiversity Protection,” attracted over 200 participants, including conservation practitioners, students, sports organisations, development partners, and representatives of the Spanish and Dutch embassies and the European Union.
“The future of primate species and forest ecosystems is deeply interlinked with the choices we make every day, from the products we buy to the policies we support,” WAPCA stressed.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to partners, including Decathlon, Print Lounge, the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, Heidelberg Zoo, A Rocha Ghana, Challenges Ghana, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), University of Ghana, HELP Foundation Africa, Hen Mpoano, KASA Ghana, Wildlife Division, CREMAs in Cape Three Points, Princess Town, Amokwaw and Ankasa-Tano, as well as Noé and Ridge City Football Club.
Key speakers at MAD 2025 included Dr. Godfred Bempah of the Wildlife Division, Foster Poasangma of WAPCA, Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah of UESD, Paul Addah, Accra Zoo Manager, Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana, and Paulina Różycka of the European Union Delegation, who reaffirmed the EU’s support for biodiversity initiatives in Ghana.
WAPCA stressed that both Mangabey Awareness Day and International Primates Day play a vital role in education and mobilisation.
“They serve as powerful reminders that sustainable consumption is not a passing trend, but a necessity for the future of primates, people, and the planet,” the organisation noted.
Looking ahead, WAPCA announced plans to expand community outreach in forest-edge communities in the Eastern, Central, and Bono Regions. The goal is to reduce threats such as illegal logging, hunting, and habitat degradation while encouraging behavioural change.
“Protecting primates means protecting our shared future,” WAPCA stressed, calling for stronger collaboration among communities, researchers, government agencies, and civil society.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
