Mole National Park deploys technology to curb poaching, illegal logging

From the very moment tourists arrive at the Mole National Park, they are greeted by a wild chirping of birds, the screeching of monkeys, and the loud yaks and wahoos of baboons echoing through the trees.

It feels as though nature itself is rolling out a noisy, thrilling welcome.

For many, this is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

On a recent safari visit, I was led by an experienced park ranger onboard an open-top four-wheel drive vehicle with cameras at the ready and heart filled with excitement.

Not far into the journey, we encountered a majestic herd of elephants cooling off at a nearby waterhole.

Other animals such as antelopes, White and Black Colobus monkeys, Defassa Waterbucks, Oribis, Bohor Reedbucks and Red-flanked Duikers made an interesting view.

Poaching

However, for the past years, poaching and illegal logging have been the biggest threats to the Mole National Park located in the Savanah Region.

Some antelopes at the park 

In the shadows of the most iconic wildlife sanctuary, the armed poachers and illegal chainsaw operators often target endangered animal and tree species, threatening both biodiversity and eco-tourism.

Among the species targeted are elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and rosewood.

The menace is often carried out by organised groups armed with weapons for both consumption and commercial purposes.

Whereas the mammals are targeted for their meat and other body parts, such as ivory, the trees are harvested for roofing materials and charcoal production.

In recent months, many poachers and illegal loggers have been arrested and prosecuted. Some are serving jail terms, while others have been fined or banned from entering the park’s vicinity.

For instance, three poachers were arrested and jailed for killing a buffalo in June 2024. Also, in January 2025, rangers on routine patrol apprehended three poachers busily hunting in the game reserve.

Technology

Nonetheless, the recent introduction of surveillance technologies such as drones and high-resolution cameras by the park's authorities has become a game-changer in the park’s fight against illegal activities.

A view of the Mole National Park 

It has been instrumental in tracking down suspects and deterring criminal activity within the protected reserve.

An Assistant Law Enforcement Officer at the Mole National Park, Benjamin Kwesi Agbernor, told the Daily Graphic that the deployment of drones and surveillance cameras had dramatically improved the park’s capacity to detect and respond to illegal activities.

He said the tools enabled the park rangers to monitor vast and previously inaccessible portions of the reserve.

“Drones help us to cover more ground in less time.

We can track movements in real-time and direct our rangers to specific locations where there’s suspicious activity,” he explained.

He noted that footage captured by the drones had also been used as evidence in court, making it easier to secure convictions against offenders.

Mr Agbernor cited an instance where these technologies helped park rangers apprehend a group of illegal loggers who had set up a hidden base deep in the forest. 

Aside from tracking down the perpetrators, he indicated that the technologies were also used to conduct a census in the park, explaining “the cameras, for instance, are installed at vantage points to track all kinds of animals moving around.

This enables us to take stock of all the animals, particularly the endangered species.”

Community engagement

Despite the technological gains and frequent patrols, Mr Agbernor said local community involvement remained crucial to long-term conservation.

Benjamin Kwesi Agbernor, Assistant Law Enforcement Officer at the Mole National Park, installing one of the cameras on a tree for surveillance 

In that regard, authorities have been sensitising residents living around the park to the environmental and economic value of protecting the forest and its wildlife.

While reiterating management’s commitment to continue to work hard to flush out poachers and protect the reserve, he appealed to all stakeholders to support the conservation of the park.

Background

The Mole National Park is arguably Ghana's first, largest and most prestigious national park.

A herd of elephants at the park

Located near Damongo in the West Gonja Municipality in the Savannah Region, the park is managed mainly for its outstanding natural, physical, historical and cultural values.

Established in 1958, the park covers an area of 4,840sq km of undulating terrain with steep scarps.

It is rich in biodiversity and home to some 742 vascular plant species and over 90 mammal species, including five primate species.

Some of the species of conservation and tourist interest include Elephants, Buffaloes, Kobs, Western Hartebeests, Roan Antelopes, Defassa Waterbucks, Oribis, Bohor Reedbucks and Red-flanked Duikers.

Rare and endangered species include the Yellow-backed Duiker, Black and White Colobus Monkey, Leopard and Lion.

Also, the park is home to 334 bird species, 33 reptiles, nine amphibian species and some 120 butterfly species.

The park has the most viable elephant population in Ghana, and as such is a hotspot for elephant conservation.

It is also said to have a unique breed of elephants, which are not hostile, not aggressive or insecure, compared to other elephant populations in the rest of Africa.

Unique appeal

The Manager of the Mole National Park, Chief Ali Mahama, in an interview, highlighted the park’s unique appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

“For those who want to interact with nature and enjoy a serene environment to relax, Mole is obviously the best destination,” he said.

He indicated that the park had implemented a series of measures aimed at enhancing service quality and ensuring the safety of all tourists.

It is estimated that about 15,000 tourists visit the Mole National Park annually.

An American tourist, Joseph Michelle, who shared her experience with the Daily Graphic, expressed her deep satisfaction with her visit to the Mole National Park.

“I am really enjoying the place.

I get to connect with nature and have a good rest, and that’s all I need to start the year with," she said.

She indicated that the peaceful atmosphere, the sight of elephants bathing at the waterhole, and the early morning bird calls gave her a sense of renewal she hadn’t felt in years.

Another tourist, Sampson Agyemang, said, “I have truly enjoyed my visit here. From the exciting safari rides to the close encounters with wild animals, every moment has been memorable.”

According to him, the highlight of his trip was watching a herd of elephants playfully chase one another near the park’s rest area.

Fringe communities

Mole shares its borders with 33 fringe communities in two regions - Northern and Upper West.

In addition to savouring the precious flora and fauna through game viewing, bird watching, informative walks and camping, visitors to the park can also visit some of the neighbouring communities and experience their rich cultural heritage, architecture and traditional livelihood activities, among others.

Located near the park are the ancient Larabanga Mosque, Mystic Stone, Mognori Eco-Village and a host of sites that revellers can also visit to spice up their tour.

The park is also Ghana’s most developed tourism site in terms of tourist amenities, as it has West Africa’s first luxury safari lodge nestled in the heart of the Mole forest.

Known as the Zaina Lodge, it provides world-class hospitality service with a unique touch. There are also very affordable guest houses within the park’s community.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh