Chop bar operators in the Central and Greater Accra regions were taken by surprise after their bush meat, which has been described as an endangered species was seized during a joint operation by the Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Division.

Public Relations Manager of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Ernestina Adumea Anie said the confiscated species including Porcupines and Royal Antelopes were either on display in the markets or on sale at the roadside by illegal poachers.

Also, chop bar owners had their fridges that contained such animals seized at Adabraka, Agbogbloshie, and East Legon all in Accra and at Winneba and Assin Fosu in the Central Region.

Boiling soups were however spared as the group could not ascertain the type of meat in them.

“We did not pick any meat from boiling soup… what we see is what we take. Wherever we go, most of the time, their fridges are open because they are operating; and selling the meat so as time goes on, they go into the fridge, take them out and smoke them for the next meal.

“So when we go, we look at what you have at the scene and what we see is what we take. Because we have seen it, we cannot leave an endangered species with you,” she said.

Meanwhile, those arrested have been arraigned before the court after defying orders not to hunt such animals during the closed season.