1 
  
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND  
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION  
 
 
 
 
INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES POLICY  
 
 
DRAFT  
 
 
 
 
 
 
December , 2014  
 
2 
  
Acknowledgement   
3 
 List of Acronyms  
APD  Animal Production Directorate  
CBD  Convention on Biological Diversity  
CITES  Convention on  International Trade in Endangered Species of flora and fauna  
GRATIS  Ghana Regional Appropriate Technology and Industrial Services  
COP  Conference of Parties  
CSD  Crop Services Directorate  of MoFA  
CSIR  Council for Scientific and Industrial Research  
CSO  Civil Society Organization  
ECOWAS  Economic Community of West African States  
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment  
EPA  Environmental Protection Agency  
FSD Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission  
FC Fisheries Commission/Forestry Commission  
GMA  Ghana Maritime Authority  
GAEC  Ghana Atomic Energy Commission  
GAF  Ghana Armed Forces  
IAS Invasive Alien Species  
MDA  Ministries, Departments and Agencies  
MEAs  Multilateral Environmental Agreements  
MESTI  Ministry of Environment Science Technolog y and Innovation  
MLGRD  Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development  
MMDAs   Metropolitan, Municipals and District Assemblies  
MoFA  Ministry of Food and Agriculture  
NADMO  National Disaster Management Organization  
PPRSD  Plant Protection and Regula tory Services Directorate  of MoFA  
SEA  Strategic Environmental Assessment  
VRA  Volta River Authority  
WD Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission  
WRC  Water Resources Commission  
 
  
4 
 Foreword  
Table of C ontents  
   
5 
 1.0 Background  
There has been an increasing  incidence of introduction, establishment and spread of invasive plants and 
animal species in Ghana in the past  few decades.  Notably among these species are Siam 
weed/’Akyeampong’ ( Chromolaena odorata ), Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ), Kariba weed 
(Salvinia molesta ), Larger Grain Borer ( Prostephanu struncatus ), fire ants ( Solenopsis maginata ) and 
some white flies ( Bemisia tabaci ).  
 
In addition, the country faces threats of newer species as a result of increase in trade especially within the 
Economic  Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the international maritime trade. The 
introductions have led to significant biodiversity losses and disruption of ecosystem services and 
livelihoods. With the envisaged severity of Climate Change, these impact s are anticipated to be more 
devastating on ecosystems, public health and socio -economic activities of the country.  
 
Ghana is a signatory to key international conventions and protocols aimed at addressing Invasive Alien 
Species ( IAS) related issues. Howeve r, not much has been achieved in terms of domesticating and 
implementing the provisions of these conventions and protocols as a result of inadequate policy direction.  
 
Attempts have been made to address specific threats posed by some invasive alien specie s however;  the 
results have been short lived, unsustained and not coordinated. The problem has been compounded by the 
weak institutional and legal environment for effectively dealing with the challenges posed by the invasive 
alien species. Besides, there i s no holistic policy to deal with the problem.  There is therefore the need to 
formulate a holistic policy that would bring together all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to 
comprehensively address the pr oblems of IAS .  
 
1.1 Purpose  
This polic y is to:  
i. Provide   measures to prevent, control and manage introductions, establishment and spread 
of IAS in Ghana.  
ii. Minimize  economic, ecological and human health impacts of IAS.  
iii. Harmonize  and coordinate institutional actions aimed at addressing IAS rela ted issues in 
Ghana.  
iv. Ensure effective national regional and international collaboration on IAS.  
  
6 
 1.2 Policy Formulation Process (to be reviewed after SEA, Stakeholder consultations ) 
In the formulation of this policy existing sectoral polices were reviewed , involving broad stakeholder 
consultations. The se include  academia and research, regula tory, Metropolitan, Municipal and District 
Assemblies , (MMDAs), and Civil Society Organizations  (CSOs) . The policy was subjected to Strategic 
Environmental Assessment ( SEA)  to identify the opportunities an d risks associated with policy  actions .  
 
   
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2.0 Situation Analysis  
2.1 Occurrence and Impacts  
Ghana has experienced a number of biological invasions, some of which have been intentional and others 
unintentional. Available information indicates that over 70 different microbes, plants and animal species 
have invaded Ghana. These range from viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause various diseases of plants 
and animals and also affect both man and ec osystems  (Appendix 1 ). Ghana) .  
Many water bodies in the country have varying degrees of aquatic weed infestation. Floating invasive 
water weeds such as Eichhornia crassipes  (water hyacinth), Salvinia molesta  (kariba weed ) and Pistia 
stratiotes (water lettuce ), and submerged weeds Vallisneria spiralis/gigantea and Ceratophyllum 
demersum  have posed tremendous threat s to some water bodies in the country . These include the Oti 
River , the Tano -Abby Lagoon C omplex, the Kpong Head pond and Lower Volta River . 
 
The invasive aquatic  weeds  impa ct fishing, water transport, water supply  and public health of  riparian 
communities , and threaten  hydropower generation . Invasive aquatic weeds  also provide refuge for the 
host snails of  bilharzia parasite, resul ting in high prevalence  of bilharzia . Evapot ranspiration loss from 
water weeds on the River Oti and Kpong Headpond was estimated at 33.6 million cubic meters in 2007 ( 
EPA, Baseline studies, Integrated management of Invasive AquaTic Weeds Project) , equivalent to the 
amount of water needed to  generate  about 1.9MW of power at the Akosombo and Kpong  electricity 
generating stations . According to the V olta River Authority (VRA)  about US$327,038 is spent in 
monitoring and managing the weeds in the Oti River annually. The Environmental Protection Agency 
also spent US$ 2.5 million dollars in controlling the weed in the critically infested Rivers over the  period  
2006 -2011 during the implementation of the Invasive aquatic weeds project supported by the African 
Development Bank.  
 
The witch weed,  Striga hermonth ica  known to compete with cereals and legumes for nutrient, 
destroying and causing high losses in crops yields  is found in Ghana . Estimated losses in yield resulting 
from this weed in Ghana and Nigeria were 0 .17 and 3.75 million tonnes per year respectiv ely 
(Proceedings of Regional workshop, 2004 ).  Broussonetia papyrifera  (Paper Mulberry) a common 
terrestrial invasive alien species  threatens  the River Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve.  The aggressive 
growth, over shading tendencies and high water absorptio n rate of  this plant, has resulted in the 
destruction of major food and cash crops such as maize, cassava, cocoyam and cocoa.   Stud ies conducted  
8 
 in Amentia and Abofour communities  in 2007 indicated that land rentals could decrease to 50% 
depending on the severity of infestation by Paper Mulberry . The study further established a  decrease in 
the yield of maize and cassava by 75% and 9 0% respectively (Trenor,   2007) .  
 
Other invasive pests  have posed challenges in the agricultural sector . These include Prost ephanus 
truncatus (Larger grain borer)  on grains and cereals,  Phenacoccus manihoti  (Cassava mealy bug)  on 
cassava and the  giant land snails Achatina fulica . The alien pest Cape St. Paul’s Wilt  has destroyed 
coconut plantations  along the coast of Ghana  and affecting livelihoods  in several  communities.  
 
Several interventions  have been instituted to manage invasive alien species in Ghana. These include:  
 
 
 National Biological Control Programme: 1992 -1994. (Funded by the Austrian/German 
Governments).  
 Integrated Control of Aquatic Weeds: 1994 -1996. (Funded by the European Union).  
 Water Weed Management in West Africa/Ghana Water Bodies: 2000 -2002. ( Funded by the 
FAO).  
 Removing Barriers to Invas ive Plant Management in Africa from 2005 -2010.  ( Funded by 
UNEP/GEF)  
 Integrated Management of Invasive Aquatic Weeds Project  2006 2011. (Funded by the African  
Development Bank) .  
 Biological control of invasive papaya mealy bug 2011 - 2012. ( funded by FAO TCP)  
 Classical biological control of cassava green  mites , cassava mealy  bug and mango mealy bug   
1987 – 1990 ( funded by IITA/ABCP)  
 
Current efforts to manage introduced species though effective to some extent have still not contained the 
general problem. This is because intervention measures are adhoc and directed at specif ic invasive alien 
species menace in the country. There is therefore the need to set up a coordinating body to provide 
national leadership on invasive alien species management in a coordinated and effective manner.  
2.2 International Policy Environment  
A number of protocols, treaties and conventions have been negotiated to provide the bases for countries to 
develop actions to deal with the problem of IAS.  Ghana is a party to some  of these conventions and  
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 protocols whi ch have provisions to deal with IAS. Thes e include, the Convention on Biological Diversity 
(CBD), Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Convention on 
Migratory Speci es (CMS)  and a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).   
Ghana has made efforts to deal with IAS using these conventions but the lack of policy direction has 
resulted in ineffective use of the tenets to manage IAS in the country. Again Ghana  participates regularly 
in the meetings of the COP of the Conventions and Protocols; however the decisions taken at these 
meetings  are poorly  shared among national stakeholders and  implemented . Coupled with this , the 
effective management and control of IAS in the West Africa n sub-region has been  hampered by weak 
collaboration among member states.   
 
2.3 Legal, Institutional and Regulatory Framework   
In meeting the obligations under the relevant conventions , lead institutions  have been assigned with the 
respo nsibility of dealing with IAS issues  (Appendix 2).   Though, the  impacts of IAS cut across sectors 
such as Forestry, Agriculture, Trade and Environment , managing IAS issues  have been largely 
fragmented and uncoordinated . The results have been short of the desired outcome, hence the problems 
persist and exerting further impact on the environment and the economy.  
There is also inadequate infrastructure , human  and financial resources to manage IAS in the country.  For 
example, there are very few taxonomists a nd research personnel and inadequate quarantine facilities to 
support IAS management. These have limited the ability of line institutions to adequately prevent entry of 
IAS at the frontiers  and manage the establishment and spread within the country . Beside s phyto -sanitary 
control measures, there is  a general  lack of relevant protocols to guide personnel to prevent and control 
the entry of other potential IAS into the country.  
Several implementation actions  have evolved in a reactive and piecemeal manner, r esponding to new 
problems and pathways relating to invasive alien species . However, these isolated unilateral actions have 
not been sufficient to manage the full range of activities and processes that generate invasions.  It is 
therefore necessary that the  relevant institutions collaborate through an open consultative process to 
prepare strategies and action plans from a well thought through policy for dealing with IAS.   
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 IAS line institutions have attempted to control and mange IAS , however their efforts hav e been hampered 
by the fact that many of these species have no legal status as regulated materials in the country. Besides, 
there are no regulations regarding the in troduction, handling and use of these materials.   
Presently, several national policies  and legislation s exist relating to  the control and management of 
invasive alien species . These pieces of  policies and  legislation s are scattered in the statute books and do 
not adequately address the problem of invasive alien species . They, however, provide a starting point for 
updating , formulating  and/or amending the range of legislative provisions relating to invasive alien 
species in the country.  
2.4 Pathways for Introduction and D ispersal  
Several pathways exist for the introduction of invasive alien species . In Ghana,  a number of IA S have  
been introduced through travel  and tourism , trade , agriculture; research  the police  and military on peace 
keeping duties. IAS menace in Ghana have been largely addressed  on an adhoc basis and  interventions 
directed at  specifi c IAS.  The problem has been compounded by the weak institutional and legal 
environment for effectively dealing with the challenges posed by the invasive alien species. Besides, there 
is no holistic policy to deal with the problem.  
The Paper Mulberry (Brous sonet ia papyrifera ) for example was introduced to  Ghana for research into the 
development of  pulp for paper industry in  1969 . However, t he research was not decommissioned leading 
to its spread in the forest ecosystem.  In agriculture the pathw ays for intro duction and spread include 
movement of livestock and transportation of grains and seeds. The introduction and culturing of the edible 
snail, Achatina fulica  without adequate control and containment,  led to the wide  proliferation and spread  
of the species . The nursery , land scaping and gardening industry have also contributed to the spread of 
water hyacinth  to new areas  such as Lower Volta River .  
The introduction and spread of t he larger green borer ( Prostephanus truncatu s) in Ghana  was through 
trade . It was believed to have initially entered the country  from Togo in 1989 through the Volta Region 
through imported grains contaminated with the beetle s (Addo, Birkinshaw, & Hodger, 2002) . Subsequent 
spread to other parts of the countr y was through recycling of contaminated packaging materials.  
Nevertheless, introduction of the species alone does not guarantee its invasiveness . The introduced 
species must be able to establish, reproduce and have competitive fitness in order to spread wi thin an 
ecosystem .  Human activities tend to create the ecological condition that en ables an introduced species to 
thrive and spread. Such was the case for the spread of paper mulberry in the Afram Head Waters Forest  
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 Reserve where massive bush fires in 198 3 created an enabling environment for the spread of the mulberry 
by reducing their competitors.    
Some i ndigenous species which hitherto were not invasive have become invasive as a result of human 
induced changes in the ecosystem. For example the Hippo  grass (Vossia  cuspidata ) an indigeno us species 
has spread to cover a bout 2500 ha in the lower Volta after the construction   of the Kpong dam 1981  
(EPA, 200 0 Baseline studies ).  
Other pathways have been documented in other countries but are not known to have occurred in Ghana . 
These pathways are generally associated with unintentional  introductions where species are carried along 
with the importation of materials into an ecosystem . They include:  
 
 
 Non-food animal pathways (aquarium trade, animals for researc h). 
 Non-living animal and plant relate d pathways (frozen seafood, untreated wood, mulch, straw) . 
 Bio-control agent which could become invasive (release of species to control another which then 
becomes invasive itself).  
 Transboundary  waterways (trans -nationa l river s, freshwater canals, estuaries ). 
 Natural occurrences (ocean currents , migratory animal s, plants dispersal ). 
 Wastes  (unserviceable machinery, drill cuttings, hydrocarbons, electronic waste ). 
It is necessary for adequate procedures and measures  to be put in place to detect and address any  
unintended entries through these pathways.  
 
  
Vossia Cuspidata    Water Hyacinth                Broussonetia papyrifera  
 
 
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 Table 1:  Summary of IAS  Issues  
Policy Focus  Issues  
Prevention and 
Control   No coordinated  system for detection, prevention and controlling the 
spread of IAS.  
 Inadequate mechanism for tracking the spread of IAS  
 No framework for identifying and monitoring introductions of IAS along 
the pathways  
 No regulatory framework for prevention and control of IAS  
 No assessment of the impacts of IAs on ecology prior to its introduction  
IAS Governance   Limited regulations and guidelines on IAS/  Weak enforcement of national 
legislations on the introduction of specific exotic species into the country.  
 Legal stat us of IAS is  weak.  
 Fragmented and uncoordinated policies and actions.  
 Inadequate institutional capacity and infrastructure.  
Research, 
Innovation and 
Technology   Limited financial and infrastructural support for IAS research.  
 Inadequate researchers with r equisite knowledge and skills in IAS 
management.  
Information and 
Knowledge 
Management   Lack of a species register on IAS.  
 Lack of mechanism  for data and information sharing.  
 Limited technology for  improving  manual control methods  
IAS 
Mainstreaming   IAS issues not in tegrated into the EIA procedure and other permits such 
as water use regulations/permit  
 No guidelines for integrating IAS issues into EIAs of Projects and SEAs 
of policies, plans and programmes.  
Awareness 
Creation and 
Education   Very limited k nowledge on what constitutes IAS and their threats to 
ecosystem and livelihood  
 Very little local knowledge on IAS in the communities  
 IAS issues not integrated into educational  curricula.  
 Inadequate personnel to teach IAS issues in schools  
International 
Cooperation and 
Collaboration   Decisions of International and sub -regional meetings poorly 
disseminated.  
 Inconsistent country positions on issues prior to international negotiations  
 Uncoordinated policies and actions at the sub regional levels.  
 Limited utiliz ation of available platform for information sharing at the 
international level.  
   
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 3 Guiding Principles, Policy Goals and Objectives  
3.1 Guiding Principles  
Recognizing international conventions and national laws that deal with the introduction, control and 
management of invasive alien species , the key principles  that have guided the development of Policy on 
Invasive alien species (IAS) include the following:  
 Ensuring the pre vention of the introduction of invasive alien s pecies  
 Ensuring early detection to reduce their impact on the environment, biodiversity, economy and 
human health .  
 Maintaini ng the integrity of ecological systems where invasive alien species have been 
introduced . 
 Adopting an adaptive management approach that incorporates and continually im proves  on 
policies and practices by le arning from outcomes of operational program mes as they progress.  
 Ensuring  the capacity development of  stakeholders in the management of IAS . 
 Mainstreaming international IAS conventions and concerns into national and di strict  policies, 
plans , programmes and projects.  
 Creating awareness and involving  the public in actions to address the threat of invasive alien 
species . 
 Promoting sub -regional and international cooperation in the management of IAS.  
 
3.2 Policy Goals and O bjectives  
The policy aims at providing a holistic direction and guidance for actions in the regulation and 
management of invasive alien species  to ensure biodiversity conservation.   In this regard, the policy will 
seek to achieve the following objectives:  
i. To prevent  the introduct ion and control the spread of Invasive alien species  in the country . 
ii. To establish a coordinated framework for the prevention, containment, eradication, control and 
efficient management of IAS in the country.  
iii. To promote and support research, innovation and technologies for IAS management.  
iv. To ensure the availability of adequate and reliable data and improve information and knowledge 
sharing to support early detection, risk analysis and rapid response.  
v. To mainstream IAS issues into na tional, sectoral and district policies, plans, programmes and 
projects .  
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 vi. To create awareness and educate the public on the risks and benefits of prevention and control of 
IAS. 
vii. To collaborate and cooperate with regional and international bodies to ensure harmonized  and 
coordinated policies and actions on IAS.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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 4 Strategies for Implementing the Policy  
4.1 Policy Statement: Institute measures to detect entry , prevent  and control spread of IAS . 
Objective: To prevent the introduction and control the spr ead of Invasive Alien S pecies in the country.  
Actions:  
 Review and update existing protocols, guidelines, regulations and develop new ones where 
necessary to prevent the introducti on of new IAS . 
 Develop rapid response plans for action against new Invasive a lien species (IAS) infestations.  
 Develop ecosystem specific (marine, freshwater, forest, and savanna) strategies to address 
introductions.   
 Build capacity of relevant personnel to implement protocols and Phyto -sanitary measures.  
 Provide infrastructure for  quarantine services at the entry points.  
 Develop and implement a ballast water management plan  
 
4.2 Policy Statement: Strengthen IAS governance.  
Objective: To establish a coordinated framework for the prevention, eradication, control and  
efficient management  of IAS in the country.  
Actions:  
 Establish a national IAS coordinating body.  
 Build on existing efforts to develop, suppor t, and implement an interagency  early detection 
and rapid response network . 
 Establish effective operational and sectoral coordination among relevant MDAs and 
MMDAs.  
 Build community capacity for implementation of site -based plans for I AS management.  
 Recognize and reward community and CSOs achievement in IAS management.  
 Support District A ssemblies to enact by -laws for IAS management.  
 Devel op a legal and regulatory framework for managing IA  
4.3 Policy Statement:  Improve existing interventions and approaches to IAS management through 
research, technology and innovation  
Objective : To promote and support research, innovation and technologies fo r IAS management.  
 Establish a funding mechanism for sustained IAS management.  
 Create funding mechanism to support IAS research   
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  Identify and facilitate programmes to develop new technologies for IAS management  
 Develop technological innovations for harnessin g opportunities associated with IAS 
management for socio -economic benefits.  
 
4.4 Policy Statement: Enhance knowledge base for effective management of Invasive Alien Species 
(IAS).  
Objective: To ensure the availability of adequate and reliable data and impr ove information and 
knowledge sharing to support early detection, risk analysis and rapid response.  
Actions:  
 Develop  a GIS based  IAS register and periodically update the status in specific ecosystem s.  
 Establish an IAS  monitoring system  at all levels   
 Crea te platform for information sharing among policy makers, regulators , industry  and 
practitioners  at the local, national, sub -region and international levels . 
 Build databases of research findings on IAS.  
  Establish and  manage an IAS  information system which is linked to international sources of 
information.  
 
4.5 Policy Statement: Mainstream IAS issues into national, sectoral and district policies, plans , 
programmes and projects.  
Objective: To mainstream IAS issues into national, sectoral  and district  policies, pl ans, programmes and 
projects.  
Actions:  
 Produce guidelines for integrating IAS issues into  policies, plans and programmes as well as 
EIAs  of Projects  and other procedures by related institutions.  
 Develop materials and guidelines for mainstreaming IAS into  curriculum of educational 
institutions.  
 Build capacity of personnel on the management of IAS  
 Undertake  risk assessment of the introduction of biological materials into the country .  
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 4.6 Policy Statement: Increase awareness on Invasive Alien Species (IAS).   
Objective: To create awareness and  educate the public on the risks and benefits of prevention and control 
of IAS.  
Actions:  
 Develop Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Communication Strategy and Action Plans.  
 Develop and demonstrate  best practices for IAS management among industries, public agencies 
and communities.  
 Develop and implement public awareness  and education programmes  on IAS . 
 Develop targeted awareness raising materi als, messages and integrate  into existing programmes 
of relevant institutions.  
 Provide adequ ate funding for sustained awareness creation and education programmes on IAS.  
 Integrate IAS issues into the National Education Strategy.  
 Train educational personnel in IAS management  
 
4.7 Policy Statement: Enhance  international cooperation and collaboration on  IAS management.  
Objective: To collaborate and cooperate with regional and international bodies to ensure harmonized  and 
coordinated policies and actions on IAS.  
Actions:  
 Build network s and partnerships with  sub-regional and  international organizations  on IAS issues.  
 Disseminate IAS related information at the regional and international  levels . 
 Promot e the formulation of a sub -regional policy on IAS.  
 Establish an institutional framework for negotiating and implementing IAS agreements.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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5 Implementatio n Arrangement   
The problems posed by I AS are not simply the responsibili ty of a single  institution . There are many 
institutions that play different  roles in the pre vention and control of IAS in Ghana. Addressing the 
problems of IAS successfully will theref ore require effective coordination and collaboration among 
these various institutions from gove rnment , NGOs, civil society organizations , private sector , local 
communities  and international organizations . The specific roles  of the various institutions ment ioned 
are defined in appendix 3. The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations and its 
allied institutions (i.e. EPA, TCPD, CSIR, GAEC,) has the overall responsibility for the 
implementation of this policy.  
Funding Arrangements  
The succe ssful implementation of this policy would require the adequate and timely availability of 
funding from various sources. These include:  
 Budgetary Allocations  
 Existing projects and programmes  
 New projects to attract funding from international sources  
 Nationa l Environment Fund (NEF)  
 Administrative, Permits and Certifications Fees  
 Fines and penalties for introducing IAS.  
 A percentage of Tariffs from water, electricity , forests  and wildlife products.  
Monitoring, Evaluation and Policy Review  
The M inistry respon sible for Environment  would have the overall monitoring, evaluation and periodic 
review of this policy. This can be effectively achieved if this policy is integrated into the National 
Environment Policy. This policy should be reviewed every five (5) years to ensure relevance and 
effectiveness.  
The Ministry responsible for Environment  will promote institutional and inter -agency collaboration  
towards effective implem entation of the Policy through the development of action plans and  measure s to 
realize the obj ectives of the policy.   
 
 
  
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CATEGORY  
FLORA/FAUNA   
COMMON 
NAME(S)   
SCIENTIFIC NAME   
ORIGIN   
ENTRY 
PATHWAYS -    
YEAR OF 
ENTRY   
DISPERSAL 
PATHWAYS   
REMARKS -
COMMENTS (e.g. 
severe, common rare 
etc) 
FLORA/MICROBES        
VIRUSES  Banana bunchy -top 
virus disease  
(BBTV)  Babuvirus  Southern Asia   Transmitted by the 
Banana aphid 
Pentalonia 
nigrovervosa  Attacks Banana  
 Badana virus (BSV)     Insects  Attacks Banana  
 Cape St Paul’s Wilt,  
Lethal Yellowing 
Disease   Not known  Volta Region 
1932, Western 64, 
Central 83  Phytoplasma -through  
leafhoppers, plant 
hoppers and psyllids  - Attacks Coconut  
BACTERIA  Cassava bacteria 
blight  Xanthomonas manihoti  South America   Seed borne ( transfer of 
infected plants across 
plantation)  Attacks Cassava  
 Mango bacterial 
blight  Xanthomona s citri pv 
mangiferae  India  2013   Attacks mango  
FUNGI  Angular leaf spot  Pseudo -cercospora 
angolensis  Angola -Africa  2010   Attacks Citrus fruits  
 Black Sigatoka 
disease  Mycosphaerella fijiensis  Fiji Island (South 
Pacific)  1990’S   Attacks Banana  
HERBS/SEDGES  Asian Witch weed  Striga asiatica  Asia & sub - 
Saharan Africa    Attacks cereals  
 Purple/ Giant Witch 
weed  Striga hermonthica*  Africa, Asia, 
Australia    Attacks cereals  
 Caribbean stylo, 
pencil flower, mother 
segal  Stylosantes hamata  N. /C. Ame ricas, 
Caribbean  Humans -As 
ruminants feed  Humans/Wind/Water   
 Shrubby 
stylo,   Pencil flower  Stylosantes scabra  S. America, 
Caribbean  Humans -As 
ruminants feed  Humans/Wind/Water   
       
 Tree marigold, 
Mexican sunflower  Tithonia diversifolia  E. Mexico & C. 
America  Man-horticulture  Man-horticulture/ 
animals/wind   
GRASSES  Itchgrass, raoulgra ss Rottboelia 
cochinchinensis  Africa, Asia and 
Australia   Seeds spread by water 
/harvesting machines   
SHRUBS  Siam weed/ 
Acheampong  Chromolaena odorata  Tropical N. 
Americas  Introduced 1960’s  Man/ wind    
20 
  Barbados Nut , 
Physic Nut  Jatropha curcas  Tropical N. /C. 
Americas  Man-fences/ 
biofuels  Man-fences/ biofuels   
 Bellyache bush,  or 
cotton -leaf 
physicnut,  Jatropha gossypiifolia**  Tropical N./C. 
Americas  Man-fences/ 
biofuels  Man-fences/ biofuels   
 Big sage, wild or red 
sage, tickberry,  Lantana camara  C./Sout h America  Man – insects 
horticulture  Man – insects 
horticulture   
 Giant Sensitive Tree  Mimosa pigra  
 Neo-tropics     
TERRESTRIAL 
FLORA        
TREES  Neem, Indian lilac  Azadirachta indica  India  Man-wood fuels  Man-birds/ animals   
 Paper muberry  Broussonetia papyrifera  Asia- China, 
Japan, Korea, 
Thailand, India  1969, Research, 
R. Afram, R. Pra 
Anum Asenayo Fr 
Reserves,  Man-pulp industry -
animals/birds; Habitat 
changes   
 Trumpet tree, 
snakewood , Acacia  Cecropia peltata  
Leucena leucocephala  Tropical A merica  Unintentional 
from Ivory Coast  
Planned 
introduction for 
afforestation  
 
 
 Man/ animals/wind   
TERRESTRIAL 
FLORA  Spanish cedar, 
Mexican cedar  Cedrela odorata  West Indies/ C. & 
S. Americas  Intentional -
Forestry  Man- Forestry/ insects/ 
Wind   
TREES  Chinese lantern tree, 
Sicklebush  Dichrostachys 
glomerata  Africa  Native  Insects/ Habitat 
changes   
 Leucaena, Jumbie 
bean, White lead tree  Leucaena leucocephala  
 S. Mexico and N. 
Central America  Intentional -Agro -
forestry, MoFA, 
1980’s?  Man/Wind, Animals/ 
Insects   
 Tree Jasmine, Indian 
Cork tree  Millingtonia hortensis  South and S. E. 
Asia Intentional -
horticulture  Man, Insects   
 Teak, Burmese Teak  Tectona grandis  S. & S. E. Asia  Intentional -
Forestry  Man/ Wind   
AQUATIC FLORA        
FERNS  Red water fern  Azolla filiculoides   
 W./N. America; 
S. to C. America  1990 R. Tano/ 
Lagoon  Man-boaters/water    
21 
  Kariba  weed/Giant 
salvinia  Salvinia molesta  
 South East Brazil, 
S. America  1990 R. Tano/ 
Lagoon  Man-boaters/water   
HERBS/SEGDES  Coontail, hornwort  Ceratophyllum 
demersum  
 All continents 
except Antarctica  Native  Man-boaters/water   
HERBS/SEGDES  Papyrus, Papyrus  
reed Cyperus papyrus  Central Africa  1960’s KNUST -
UG; 2003 Kpong 
headpond  Man-boaters/water, 
wind   
 Water hyacinth  Eichhornia crassipes  Amazon Basin  1984, Tema; ‘87 
Accra; ‘90 R. 
Tano/ Lagoon; ‘98 
R. Oti; 2003 
Kpong ; 2009 
Lower Volta  Horticulture, 
Wate rways, Tourists, 
Boaters   
HERBS/SEGDES  Yellow Burr head/ 
Yellow velvet leaf  Limnocharis flava  N./S. Americas, 
Caribbeans  1997  Man/water/birds   
 American lotus  Nelumbo lutea   North America  1960’s Legon    
 Water lettuce/ Water 
cabbage  Pistia stratiotes  
 S. America / 
Africa/ 
Cosmopolitan  Native  Man/water   
 Cattail  Typha domingensi s Temperate 
Eurasia, N. Africa 
N. America  Not known??  Man/ water; wind   
 Eel grass/tape grass  Vallisneria aethiopica  Not determined   Man/water   
GRASSES  Hippo grass  Vossia cuspidata  
 Tropical Africa/ 
Asia Native  Man/water/wind   
SHRUBS  Giant sensitive pl ant/ 
Cat claw mimosa  Mimosa pigra  
 Tropical America  Not known??  Man/water/animals   
FAUN A/ANIMALS        
ARACHNIDS  Cassava green mite  Mononychellus tanajoa  South America  1984    
INSECTS  African army worm  Spodoptera exempta  Africa   Moths migration   
       
       
INSECTS  African invader fly  Bactrocera invadens  Sri Lanka (S.W. 
Asia)  2005  Plant material   
 Cassava mealybug  Phenacoccus manihoti  S. America  1980  Plant material   
 Diamond -back moth  Plutella xylostella  Europe      
22 
  
  Fire ant (Charles 
Taylor)  Solenopsis geminata  S. America  2000?    
 Fruit and shoot borer  Leucenoides orbonalis  Africa and Asia     
 Larger grain borer  Prostephanus truncatus  S. America  1992    
 Mango mealybug  Rastrococcus invadens  S. Eastern Asia  1984    
 Medfly  Ceratitis capitata  Africa     
 Papaya mealybug  Paracoccus marginatus  Mexico/South 
America  2009    
INSECTS  Spiraling whitefly  Aleurodiscus dispersus  C. America  1980’s?    
 White flies  Bemisia tabaci  India/Asia  Unknown  Plant materials  Transmits a no of viral 
diseases/ remove 
nutrients  
FAUNA        
BIRDS  Red-billed Quelea, 
Weaver bird, 
weaver -finches,  Quelea quelea  Sub Saharan -
Africa excl deeply 
forested areas & S 
Africa,  Not known??  Migration  Most destru ctive/ most 
numerous --bird pest in 
the world  
ANIMALS        
MOLLUSCS  Giant African land 
snail  Achatina fulica  Eastern Africa  2003? Western 
Region  Man/migration   
VERTEBRATES        
        
23 
 Appendix 2:  Focal points for  International Conventions and  Protocols  related to  IAS in  Ghana  
Focal Institution  Conventions  and protocols  
Ministry of Environment, Science, 
Technology and Innovation   -Convention on Biological Diversity  
-Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety  
-Framework Convention on Climate Change  
Forestry Commission - Forestry Services 
Division   
Forestry Commission - Wildlife  Division  -Convention  on Wetlands ( RAMSAR)  
-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)  
-Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS ) 
-African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and 
Natural  Resources  
-Agreement on the Conservation of African -Eurasian 
Migratory  
Plant Protection and Regulatory Services 
Directorate  -International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)  
-WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures  
Fisher ies Commission  -Food and Agricultural Organization  code  of conduct on 
responsible fisheries  
Ghana Maritime Authority  -. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)  
Ministry of Health   
Ministry of Agriculture (crops, animals)   
 
 Appendix 3: R oles of Institutions  with  bearing on IAS 
Ministries, Departments, Agencies  Mandate /Role  
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology 
and Innovation   
Policy formulation, Monitoring and Evaluation  Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources  
Ministry of Local Government and Rural 
Development  
Ministry of Food and Agriculture  
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture 
development  
Ministry of Trade  and Industry  
Ministry of Finance  
Ministry of Transport  
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional 
Integrat ion  
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts  
Ministry of Health  
Ministry of Water Resources, Works & 
Housing   
24 
 Ministries, Departments, Agencies  Mandate /Role  
National Development Planning Commission  Act 479:  
Advices the president on development planning policy and 
strategy.  
Water  Resou rces  Commission  Responsible for the regulation and management of the 
utilization of water res and for the coordination of policies.  
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission  Act 588, 2000:  
The promotion, development and utilization of the peaceful 
application of nu clear and biotechnology techniques for 
economic and social advancement of Ghana.  
Forestry Commission  Is responsible for the regulation of the utilization of forest 
and wildlife resources, conservation and management of 
those resources and the coordinatio n of policies  
Fisheries Commission  Is responsible for the regulation and management of the 
utilization of the fisheries resources of republic and the 
coordination of policies  
Environmental Protection Agency  Lead Agency in charge of the environment.  
Wild life Division  To conserve wildlife in Ghana and manage wildlife 
protection areas.  
Forest Services Division   
Plant Protection and Regulatory Services 
Directorate  Plant and Fertilizer Act 2010 (Act 803) which  include 
aspects to control the importation of  plant materials 
contaminated with exotic pests which include weeds, insect 
pests and pathogens, bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, 
phytoplasma etc.  
Volta River Authority  Act 46  
Generate and supply electricity for industrial, commercial 
and domestic use  in Ghana.  
 
Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division)  Act 791  
To integer and manage domestic tax and custom.  
Veterinary  Services  Division  To ensure a stable animal health situation through the 
provision of quality of animal health care services by bo th 
public and private sector veterinary practitioners to ensure 
livestock poultry and companion animals’ production and 
productivity.  
Ghana Immigration Services  Regulate and monitor the entry and residence and 
employment and exit of all foreigners and me mbers of 
Ghanaian in and out of country.  
Ghana Maritime Authority  Regulate, monitor and coordinate activities in the maritime 
industry.  
CSIR  To purse the implementation of government policies on 
scientific research and development.  
Forestry Research In stitute of Ghana (FORIG)  To conduct forest and forest product research for social, 
economic and environmental benefit of the society.  
Water Research Institute    
25 
 Ministries, Departments, Agencies  Mandate /Role  
Savanna Agricultural Research Institute  To provide farmers in the three northern regions with  
appropriate technologies sustainable to increase their food, 
fibre crop production based on a s production system which 
maintains and/or increases soil fertility.  
Crop Research Institute  Mandate covers  all food and industrial crops.  
Animal Research Inst itute To develop and transfer technologies related to livestock 
and poultry production in Ghana.  
Universities  To undertake research into all aspects of water resources 
(both  living and non -living) of Ghana  in order provide 
scientific and technical informa tion and services needed for 
the sustainable development,  utilization  and management 
of these natural resources for socio -economic advancement 
of the country.    
26 
 Appendix 4: Policy Matrix  
Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
Prevention and 
Control   No coordinated system 
for detection, prevention 
and controlling the spread 
of IAS.  
 No framework for 
identifying and 
monitoring introductions 
of IAS along the 
pathways  To prevent the 
introduction and 
control the sp read 
of Invasive alien 
species in the 
country   Review and update existing 
protocols, guidelines, 
regulations and develop 
new ones where necessary 
to prevent the introduction 
of new Invasive alien 
species (IAS).  
 Develop rapid response 
plans for action agains t new 
Invasive alien species (IAS) 
infestations.  
 Develop ecosystem specific 
(marine, freshwater, forest, 
and savanna) strategies to 
address introductions.   
 Build capacity of relevant 
personnel to implement 
protocols and Phyto -
sanitary measures.  
 Provide in frastructure for 
quarantine services at the 
entry points.  
 MESTI  
MoFA  
EPA  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 FC 
WRC  
GMA  
CSIR  
Universities  
International 
organizations  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR  
VRA  
IAS Governance   Limited regulations and 
guidelines on IAS/ Weak 
enforcement of national 
legislations on the 
introduction of specific 
exotic species into the 
country.  
 Legal statuses of IAS are 
weak.  To establish a 
coordinated 
framework for the 
prevention, 
eradication, control 
and efficient 
management of 
IAS in the country.   Establish a national IAS 
coordinating body.  
 Build on existing efforts to 
develop, su pport, and 
implement an interagency 
early detection and rapid 
response network.  
 Establish effective 
operational and sectoral MESTI  
EPA  FC 
WRC  
GMA  
VRA  
CSIR  
Universities  
International 
organ izations  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS   
27 
 Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
 Fragmented and 
uncoordinated policies 
and actions.  
 Inadequat e institutional 
capacity and 
infrastructure.  coordination among 
relevant MDAs and 
MMDAs.  
 Build community capacity 
for implementation of site -
based plans for IAS 
management.  
 Recognize and reward 
community and CSOs 
achievement in IAS 
management.  
 Support district assemblies 
to enact by -laws for IAS 
management.  
 Establish a funding 
mechanism for sustained 
IAS management.  GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR  
Research, 
Innovation and 
Technology   Limited financial and 
infrastructural support for 
IAS research.  
 Inadequat e researchers 
with requisite knowledge 
and skills in IAS 
management.  
 To promote and 
support research, 
innovation and 
technologies for 
IAS management   Establish a funding 
mechanism for sustained 
IAS management.  
 Create funding mechanism 
to support IAS resear ch 
 Identify and facilitate 
programmes to develop new 
technologies for IAS 
management  
 Develop technological 
innovations for harnessing 
opportunities associated 
with IAS management for 
socio -economic benefits.  
 Create funding mechanism 
to support IAS technolo gy MESTI  FC 
WRC  
GMA  
CSIR  
VRA  
Universities  
International 
organizations  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance  
Ministry of Trade and  
28 
 Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
development.  Industry   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR  
GAEC  
GRATIS  
NBSSI  
Information and 
knowledge 
management   Lack of a species register 
on IAS.  
 There is no mechanism 
for data and information 
sharing.  
 There is the need to 
introduce new 
technologies to improve 
manual control.  
  
 To ensure the 
availability of 
adequate and 
reliable data and 
improve  
information and 
knowledge sharing 
to support early 
detection, risk 
analysis and rapid 
response.   Develop a GIS based IAS 
register and periodically 
update the status in specific 
ecosystems.  
 Establish an IAS 
monitoring system.  
 Create platform for 
informati on sharing among 
policy makers, regulators, 
industry and practitioners at 
the local, national, sub -
region and international 
levels.  
 Build databases of research 
findings on IAS.  
 Produce and manage an 
IAS information system 
which is linked to 
international s ources of 
information.  
 EPA  
CERGIS  FC 
WRC  
GMA  
CSIR  
Universities  
International 
organizations  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS  
VRA  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR   
29 
 Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry  
IAS 
Mainstreaming   IAS issues not integrated 
into the EIA procedure.  
 No guidelines for 
integrating IAS issues 
into EIAs of Projects and 
SEAs of policies, plans 
and programmes.  To mainstream IAS 
issues into national, 
sectoral and district 
policies,  plans, 
programmes and 
projects.   Produce guidelines for 
integrating IAS issues into 
SEAs of policies, plans and 
programmes and EIAs of 
Projects.  
 Develop materials and 
guidelines for 
mainstreaming IAS into 
curriculum of educational 
institutions.  
 Build capac ity and 
undertake risk assessment 
of the introduction of 
biological materials into the 
country.  NDPC  
MESTI  FC 
WRC  
GMA  
CSIR  
VRA  
Universities  
International 
organizations  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry,  
Ministry of Education,  
Ministry of 
Information  
Awareness 
creation and 
Education   Very limited knowledge on 
what constitutes IAS and To create 
awareness and 
educate the public  Develop Invasive Alien 
Species (IAS) Ministry of  
Information,  
Ministry of FC 
WRC  
GMA   
30 
 Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
their threats to ecosystem 
and livelihood  
 IAS issues not integrated 
into our educational 
curricula.  
 Inadequate personnel to 
teach IAS  
 on the risks and 
benefits of 
prevention and 
control of IAS.  Communication Strategy 
and Action Plans.  
 Develop and demonstrate 
best practices for IAS 
management among 
industries, public agencies 
and communities.  
 Develop and implement 
public awareness and 
education programmes on 
IAS. 
 Develop targeted awareness 
raising materials, messages 
and integrate into existing 
programmes of relevant 
institutions.  
 Provide adequate funding 
for sustained awareness 
creation and education 
programmes on IAS.  
 Integrate IAS issues into 
the National Education 
Strategy.  
 Train requisite educational 
personnel in IA S 
management  
  Education,  
MESTI,  
  
 CSIR  
VRA  
Universities  
International 
organizations  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry  
Ministry of Transport  
CEPS  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA 
MMDAs  
CSIR  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry,  
CSOs  
 
International 
cooperation and 
collaboration  Decisions of International and 
sub-regional meetings poorly 
disseminated.  
Inconsistent country positions 
on issues prior to 
international negotiations  
Uncoordi nated policies and To collaborate and 
cooperate with 
regional and 
international bodies 
to ensure 
harmonized  and 
coordinated  Build networks and 
partnerships with sub -
regional and international 
organizations  on IAS 
issues.  
 Disseminate IAS related Ministry of 
Foreign 
Affairs and 
Regional 
Integration  
Ministry of 
Justice and FC 
WRC  
GMA  
CSIR  
VRA   
Universities  
International  
31 
 Policy Focus  Issues  Objectives  Strategies  Lead 
Institution  Collabor ating 
Institutions  
actions at the sub regional 
levels.  
Limited utilization of 
available platform for 
information sharing at the 
international level.  policies and actions 
on IAS.  information regionally and 
internationally.  
 Promote the formulation of 
a sub -regional policy on 
IAS. 
 Establi sh an institutional 
framework for negotiating 
and implementing IAS 
agreements.  AG organizations  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry  
Mini stry of Transport  
CEPS  
GIS 
AG 
GHS  
MoFA  
Parliament  
Ministry of Finance   
NADMO  
GAF  
EPA  
GMA  
MMDAs  
CSIR  
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry,  
Ministry of Education,  
Ministry of 
Information