Atewa Forest faces further destruction from illegal mining, with environmental groups warning that the reserve could be lost by the end of 2026.
A Rocha Ghana says urgent action is needed to protect the forest in the Eastern Region.
The organisation’s Deputy National Director, Daryl Bosu, described the damage as “alarming and unprecedented”.
He raised the concern during a media briefing in Accra.
Atewa Forest supports millions of people
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve is an important source of water for southern Ghana.
Three major rivers—the Densu, Ayensu and Birim—originate from the forest.
These rivers support farming and provide water for an estimated five million people, including residents of Accra.
However, illegal mining has polluted streams and damaged parts of the forest.
According to Mr Bosu, the destruction is also threatening plants and animal species found in the reserve.
Atewa is home to hundreds of bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile species.
It also contains hundreds of plant species and one of the richest collections of butterflies in West Africa.
Illegal mining continues inside the reserve
Mr Bosu said field inspections had revealed serious damage at illegal mining sites.
These areas include the headwaters of the Wankobi Stream.
The findings included open mining pits, destroyed forest cover and polluted streams.
The environmental group also reported makeshift mining camps and abandoned equipment.
“This is not a historical problem; it is happening now,” Mr Bosu said.
He blamed the continued illegal mining partly on limited resources at the Forestry Commission.
According to him, the commission lacks enough personnel, equipment and protected camps to secure the reserve effectively.
Environmental groups demand urgent action
A Rocha Ghana and other concerned groups want the government to give Atewa Forest national park status.
They believe the move could strengthen efforts to protect the area.
Mr Bosu also called for the establishment of a permanent security camp inside the forest.
He urged the government to provide the Forestry Commission with more officers, vehicles and other resources.
He further appealed to the government and the Attorney-General to speed up the prosecution of people involved in illegal mining within the reserve.
The groups say protecting Atewa is necessary to preserve its wildlife, water resources and benefits to communities across southern Ghana.
Source: GraphicOnline
