Ghana has formally joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), strengthening international cooperation on the conservation of threatened big cat species and their habitats.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa presented Ghana’s formal Instrument of Acceptance to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during Jaishankar’s official visit to Accra on Wednesday. The move makes Ghana a member of the international conservation initiative launched by India in 2023.

The IBCA promotes cooperation among countries, conservation organisations and scientific institutions to protect seven big cat species: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. The alliance aims to share expertise and conservation practices while helping countries strengthen their capacity to protect these species and their habitats.

Ablakwa said President John Mahama’s government wants to expand Ghana’s wildlife reserves, combat poaching, prevent the extinction of big cats and revive the country’s zoos. The government also wants to position Ghana as a major destination for wildlife conservation.

Ghana’s membership comes as Accra and New Delhi seek to broaden their cooperation under a newly established Comprehensive Partnership. During Jaishankar’s visit, the two countries also discussed cooperation in areas including agriculture, healthcare, mining, defence, railways, digital technology, renewable energy and skills development.