Ghana has joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance in a move that could strengthen wildlife conservation, deepen cooperation with India and create new opportunities for investment in the country’s ecotourism industry.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa presented Ghana’s signed agreement and instrument of acceptance to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The agreement extends cooperation between the two countries beyond trade, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology and development assistance, creating room for collaboration in wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.
Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, the International Big Cat Alliance promotes the conservation of seven major species: lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas. It provides a platform for member countries to share technical expertise, strengthen wildlife protection and mobilise resources to tackle poaching, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
For Ghana, membership could support efforts to improve wildlife management, rehabilitate zoological facilities and protect endangered species. It also presents an opportunity to develop nature-based tourism into a stronger source of employment, investment and foreign exchange.
Mole National Park and other wildlife reserves offer a foundation for attracting investment into eco-lodges, guided tours, transportation and hospitality services. However, Ghana will need to address challenges such as accessibility, accommodation standards, wildlife management and international marketing to compete with established safari destinations across Africa.
Joining the alliance does not automatically guarantee funding for conservation projects. Ghana will therefore need to develop credible projects that can attract support from development partners, philanthropic organisations and responsible private investors.
Blended financing, which combines public funds, concessional financing and private investment, could help fund habitat restoration, anti-poaching operations, surveillance technology and scientific research while limiting pressure on the national budget.
Local communities will also need to benefit from the initiative. Employment opportunities, revenue-sharing arrangements and support for community-owned tourism businesses could help improve livelihoods while encouraging residents to participate in wildlife protection and efforts to curb illegal hunting.
Ghana’s accession comes amid expanding economic relations with India. President John Dramani Mahama recently said Ghana’s exports to India had risen from approximately US$3 billion to nearly US$7 billion, driven mainly by goods exports.
“In the area of trade, we are already doing quite well. Our exports to India have increased from just about US$3 billion to almost US$7 billion,” President Mahama said.
The conservation partnership could build on these economic ties through scientific exchanges, access to conservation technologies and specialist training.
Ultimately, Ghana’s ability to benefit from the alliance will depend on how effectively it turns the agreement into practical action. Clear conservation targets, transparent financing and measurable improvements in wildlife protection will be essential to generating lasting environmental and economic benefits for
