Mole (N/R), May 8, GNA - A group of poachers armed with AK 47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons have invaded the Mole National Park killing animals and harassing game wardens.

Mr William Kwabena Addo, a senior wildlife protection officer, disclosed this at a meeting with Mr Steve De-graft Safo, the District Chief Executive and Alhaji Abdallah Adam, Member of Parliament for Damongo-Daboya at Mole on Sunday. He said the firing power of the poachers cannot be marched by the inferior self-loading rifles and shot guns being used by wardens at the Park.

Mr Addo has therefore suggested the need for the military to intervene to arrest the poachers. He said only 185 game wardens are operating in 33 camps of the 4,840 square-kilometre park thus making monitoring and supervision duties very difficult.

Mr Addo said despite these difficulties the wardens are doing their best "and this year alone, we have been able to arrest 10 poachers". Mr Adam said the Dutch government is exploring the possibility of expanding services in the park to attract more tourists.

These include the expansion of the local airstrip, improvement of the road network and provision of electricity and water. Mr De-graft Safo said the district assembly is supporting the Larabanga, Kananto, Kagampe and Gurupe communities living near the park with income-generating ventures as part of a long term plan to reduce poaching in the area.