Analyzing the role of capacity building in strengthening coordination and collaboration among CITES stakeholders in Ghana

Abstract

Trabajo Fin de Máster Propio. Tutores: Dr. Kwakye Ameyaw ; Michael Balinga. The study examined the effectiveness of capacity building as a tool for strengthening coordination and collaboration among CITES stakeholders for an efficient implementation of CITES in Ghana. The study specifically assessed the existing policy and institutional framework put in place by the Management Authority for collaborative wildlife resource management and its related implementation challenges and examined the past training programs in terms of training needs assessment conducted prior to the training, qualification and experience of resource persons, curricula, and methods of delivery. The study found out the views of previous workshop participants about the training package in terms of course content, duration, method of delivery and the extent to which the outcome of the training has influenced the working relationship among the stakeholders and the Management Authority, and verify from the stakeholders who have benefited from the capacity building programs, mechanism they have put in place to ensure coordination and collaboration among themselves and the Management Authority and related Challenges. The methodology used for data collection involved search for relevant literature, document analysis of past training reports, face-to-face interviews, and the use of survey guides. The results of the study indicated that there is no policy, formal process, or mechanism other than ad hoc cooperation which is usually initiated by a phone call and joint export examination by Wildlife officers at the airport and other stakeholders. However, communication between customs officers stationed at the Kotoka International Airport and the Wildlife Division has improved due the CITES training programmes carried out in Ghana. The study observed further that there was lack of CITES training for stakeholder staff stationed at the two main seaports in the country, the various land borders, wildlife exporters and the Scientific Authority. Against the background of the findings, the study recommends that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be signed between relevant CITES Stakeholders and the wildlife Division to define roles and communication networks.