A new children’s book designed to inspire young Ghanaians to protect the nation’s endangered wildlife has been unveiled in Accra.
Titled “Let’s Discover Wildlife in Ghana,” the publication is an educational collaboration between Adwinsa Publications Limited, Pangolin_Gh, and the UK-based charity Gower St., with additional input from A Rocha Ghana and Herp Ghana.
The initiative aims to increase environmental awareness among schoolchildren while highlighting the importance of conserving Ghana’s rich biodiversity.
Printed copies will be distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, and communities nationwide to promote both reading and environmental stewardship.
The 48-page book showcases ten endangered species in Ghana, including the pangolin, tawny eagle, Togo slippery frog, chimpanzee, hinge-back tortoise, forest elephant, hippopotamus, sea turtle, manatee, and slender-snouted crocodile. It also sheds light on how deforestation, pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation threaten their survival.
At the launch event, Catherine Barr, one of the lead authors, said the book celebrates Ghana’s unique wildlife while encouraging children to care for nature.
“This book is about understanding, protecting, and celebrating Ghana’s wildlife, and highlighting what local communities are doing to safeguard endangered species,” she explained.
Barr noted that the authors worked closely with Ghanaian scientists to select the featured species based on their conservation significance and vulnerability.
“Many of these animals are disappearing because their habitats are being destroyed,” she said. “But we also wanted to showcase the positive steps that Ghanaian communities are taking to protect them.”
Faith Barcroft, the project’s UK partner, emphasized that the free distribution seeks to promote environmental education in underserved areas where access to reading materials is limited.
“There’s a shortage of books in schools, especially on environmental topics, so we hope to print more copies to reach more children,” she said.
Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah, CEO of Adwinsa Publications Limited, said the project aligns with the company’s mission to produce educational materials that address social and environmental challenges in Ghana.
“We focus on publishing books that tackle national issues, particularly those affecting children,” he stated. “This project offered a perfect opportunity to expand our catalogue with a book that raises awareness about wildlife conservation.”
The launch marks a significant step in environmental education and conservation advocacy in Ghana. The initiative is expected to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens and strengthen ongoing efforts to protect the country’s endangered species and natural habitats.