Patrick Quophi Obosu Quophi Obosu 
Forestry Commission Seeks Forfeiture of Two Endangered Tigers Allegedly Imported Without Permits
The Founder of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, has been taken to the High Court by the Forestry Commission in a bid to regain custody of two tigers he allegedly imported into the country unlawfully.
The suit, filed on January 26, 2026, by the Ecotourism Unit of the Wildlife Division of the Commission, is seeking a High Court order to forfeit the two tigers to the State.
According to the Commission, the importation of the animals violated export and import permit requirements and failed to comply with the necessary scientific and management authority approvals under Article III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In an affidavit supporting the application, sworn by Christian Atsu Fumey-Nassah, Director of Stakeholders and Ecotourism at the Wildlife Division, the Commission anchored its case on the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).
The Founder of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, widely known as Cheddar, has been hauled before the High Court by the Forestry Commission, which is seeking to reclaim custody of two tigers he allegedly imported into the country unlawfully.
The suit, filed on January 26, 2026, by the Ecotourism Unit of the Wildlife Division of the Commission, is asking the court to order the forfeiture of the two tigers to the State.
According to the Commission, the importation of the animals contravened export and import permit requirements and failed to comply with the necessary scientific and management authority approvals under Article III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In an affidavit supporting the application, sworn by Christian Atsu Fumey-Nassah, Director of Stakeholders and Ecotourism at the Wildlife Division, the Commission grounded its case on the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). The action seeks a court order to confiscate the two tigers allegedly brought into the country in breach of the law.
The affidavit, filed with the consent of the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, states that in line with the Wildlife Division’s mandate to conserve wildlife and manage protected areas, the Commission is a signatory to several international conventions and treaties relating to wildlife protection, particularly endangered species.
It added that these international obligations have been incorporated into Ghana’s domestic wildlife laws and related policies.
The Applicant stated that in 2022 it became aware that Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Freedom Jacob Caesar, had imported two tigers into the country and was keeping them at his private residence in a residential area.
It added that following a visit and subsequent investigations, it was established that Mr. Bediako had brought the two tigers into Ghana without lawful authority and in violation of existing wildlife laws.
Dangerous Species
According to the Applicant, the species of tigers discovered at the residence of Nana Kwame Bediako are not native to the ecological zones of Ghana or anywhere on the African continent
It stated that the Panthera tigris altaica (Siberian tiger) is an endangered species and is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Applicant further noted that other species classified under Appendix I of CITES include great apes (Pan troglodytes), elephants (genera Loxodonta and Elephas), the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans), and marine turtles such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), among others.
It added that Appendix I of the CITES Convention covers thousands of endangered species, including over 36,000 plant species and more than 6,000 animal species listed for strict protection.
Article III of the CITES Convention
In support of the relief being sought, the Commission stated that Article III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requires that the export and import of species listed under Appendix I must be preceded by the issuance of both export and import permits.
The Convention further stipulates that designated Scientific Authorities must determine that any proposed trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Additionally, Management Authorities must be satisfied that the specimens were lawfully acquired. It also provides that import permits shall not be granted where the specimens are intended primarily for commercial purposes.
The Applicant contends that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been ratified by numerous countries, each of which undertakes specific obligations, including ensuring that species listed under Appendix I are neither traded nor used for purposes contrary to the Convention.
No Permit
The Commission stated that, in this instance, the two tigers were brought into the country without the requisite export permits, import permits, scientific authority advice, or management authority approvals, in clear breach of Article III of CITES.
It further alleged that the animals were being kept by Nana Kwame Bediako as pets at his residence in a residential neighbourhood without lawful authorization.
The Commission stated that notwithstanding the alleged breaches, and in the interest of both the animals and public safety, it took steps to assume custody of the two tigers.
It explained that there was an urgent need to secure an appropriate facility to properly house the animals and ensure they received adequate veterinary care. As a result, the tigers were relocated in January 2024 to a facility within the Achimota Zoo enclave managed by the Forestry Commission.
The Applicant is therefore seeking a court order to formally forfeit the two tigers to the State.
