Residents and environmental advocates are raising alarm over the deteriorating state of the Atewa Forest, as illegal mining activities continue to threaten one of Ghana’s most important natural resources.
Marking this year’s International Day of the Forest on March 21, 2026, the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL) described the situation as an “existential threat,” warning that the forest, which serves as a major water source for over five million Ghanaians, is under serious danger.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Nana Ampem Darko-Amponsah, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), said the Atewa Forest, known as a critical carbon sink and Ghana’s water tower, supplies clean water to many parts of the country, especially Accra. However, he noted that increasing illegal mining activities have severely polluted major rivers such as the Birim, Densu, and Ayensu, all of which originate from the forest.
He recalled a historic protest in March 2018, when the group embarked on a six-day, 95-kilometre walk from Kyebi to Flagstaff House in Accra. Protesters carried polluted water from affected rivers to draw national attention to the destruction caused by illegal mining. According to him, what was meant to serve as a warning has now become a harsh reality.
Over the past several months, the situation has worsened significantly. High turbidity levels in the rivers have forced the Ghana Water Company Limited to shut down operations in some areas. As a result, residents in communities such as Kibi, Osino, and nearby towns have been experiencing severe water shortages for nearly nine months.
Nana Ampem Darko-Amponsah further noted that efforts by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have not been sufficient to curb the menace. He added that the Forest Services Division has also indicated it is overwhelmed by the scale of illegal activities within the Atewa Landscape.
He is therefore calling for urgent national intervention to address the crisis.
Among the key demands, CCAL is urging the government to declare a state of environmental emergency, deploy security agencies to stop illegal mining, reclaim degraded lands, and strengthen regulations governing mining activities. The group also appealed to the Chief Justice to empower district courts to swiftly handle illegal mining cases.
According to Nana Ampem Darko-Amponsah, the time for warnings has passed, and what is needed now is immediate and decisive action to save the forest.
He emphasized that the Atewa Forest is no longer just under threat but is now fighting for survival, urging all stakeholders to act quickly to protect the country’s water resources, climate, and future.
Sourc:Mybrytfmonline.com
