PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT BAN ON MINING IN FOREST RESERVES STRENGTHENS ATEWA CONSERVATION AGENDA AS CCAL ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ATEWA CENTENARY CELEBRATION AND GREEN ATEWA FESTIVAL (GAFFES)
Kyebi, Eastern Region – Ghana
The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL) warmly welcomes the Government of Ghana’s decisive action to ban mining in forest reserves,a bold environmental protection measure aimed at safeguarding water bodies, halting deforestation, and preserving farmlands and livelihoods across the country.
This landmark decision comes at a critical moment for Ghana’s environment and strongly reinforces CCAL’s ongoing advocacy for the protection of the Atewa Forest. It is also timely as CCAL, in collaboration with A Rocha Ghana, prepares to officially launch the Atewa Centenary Celebration and the Green Atewa Festival (GAFFES) on Monday, 5th January 2026, at the Ofori Panin Fie, Kyebi, in Akyem Abuakwa.
The Atewa Forest is a national treasure,rich in biodiversity and a vital source of water for millions of Ghanaians. Yet, years of pressure from illegal and unsustainable mining activities have threatened its ecological integrity. The government’s repeal of regulations that previously allowed mining in forest reserves sends a clear and welcome signal that Ghana is prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability over short-term gains.
The Atewa Centenary Celebration marks 100 years of the forest’s existence and service to humanity. The centenary programme will spotlight Atewa Forest’s importance to climate regulation, water security, biodiversity conservation, and community livelihoods. Planned activities include stakeholder dialogues, public education campaigns, cultural reflections, exhibitions, policy engagements, and the unveiling of legacy initiatives aimed at securing Atewa’s future for generations yet unborn.
Complementing the centenary is the Green Atewa Festival (GAFFES), a dynamic platform that brings together traditional authorities, youth, local communities, civil society organizations, environmental advocates, policymakers, and creatives. Through culture, dialogue, advocacy, and action, GAFFES will amplify the call for a mining-free Atewa, promote sustainable livelihoods, and mobilize national support for the designation of the Atewa Forest as a National Park.
These two flagship events reflect CCAL’s unwavering commitment to environmental justice, community-led conservation, and responsible governance of natural resources. They also demonstrate how civil society initiatives can align with national policy to achieve lasting environmental protection.
CCAL expresses its sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana for this bold and forward-looking decision to ban mining in forest reserves. This courageous step strengthens Ghana’s ability to protect its forests, rivers, cocoa farmlands, and ecological heritage.
As Ghana moves forward, CCAL, in partnership with A Rocha Ghana, calls on all green guardians, NGOs, government agencies, traditional leaders, local communities, the private sector, and development partners to rally behind the Atewa Centenary Celebration and GAFFES, and to support the full protection of the Atewa Forest as a National Park.
Protecting Atewa is not just an environmental duty,it is a national responsibility.
Signed:
Nana Ampem Darko
PRO, CCAL – 0244245373
Coordinator, CCAL – 0242924377
