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During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s (MOIC) weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Centre, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, reiterated his ministry’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Western Area Peninsula National Park.
Minister Abdulai issued a stern warning against illegal encroachments and construction activities in and around the park, stressing that such actions pose serious threats not only to the region’s rich biodiversity but also to human populations.
“The Western Area Peninsula National Park is not only home to endangered species like the chimpanzees but also serves as the primary source of water for the capital city, Freetown,” the Minister noted. “Ongoing deforestation and unregulated development in the area are putting our natural heritage and water security at grave risk.”
He called on all citizens to desist from building in environmentally protected and restricted zones, highlighting that safeguarding the park is essential for preserving both biodiversity and public safety.
The Minister’s remarks come amid increasing concerns over environmental degradation in the Western Area, with conservation groups and local communities raising alarms about the growing impact of human activities on protected ecosystems.
Minister Abdulai reaffirmed that the government remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and working with stakeholders to ensure sustainable development that respects Sierra Leone’s ecological integrity.
