The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), an advocacy group promoting a green economy within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, has raised serious concerns over the growing presence of illegal miners in the forest.
For years, CCAL has championed the sustainable management of water resources to support diverse livelihoods for communities living around forested areas. However, at a recent press conference addressing the current condition of the forest, the group revealed alarming developments.
According to CCAL’s Public Relations Officer, Baffour Ampem Darko-Amponsah, recent evidence shows that well-established illegal mining camps now exist deep within the forest. These camps operate around the clock, hosting miners on a 24-hour basis and enabling continuous mining activities.
He explained that these organized settlements are accelerating deforestation, causing severe land degradation, and polluting vital upstream water sources.
CCAL is therefore calling for urgent government intervention, including the immediate deployment of enforcement teams to dismantle all illegal mining camps and halt operations without delay. The group is also demanding the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved, including financiers, organizers, and collaborators behind the activities.
Additionally, Mr. Darko-Amponsah called for the eviction of all unauthorized occupants from the forest reserve, as well as the establishment of permanent monitoring and protection systems. These should include joint security task forces and strengthened community surveillance mechanisms.
He further emphasized the need for transparency and public accountability, urging authorities to provide regular updates on actions taken. He also called for renewed efforts to designate the Atewa Forest as a National Park to ensure its long-term protection and sustainable development.
Mr. Darko-Amponsah warned that failure to act decisively could result in irreversible environmental damage, with serious economic and moral consequences.
Meanwhile, Alfred Owusu Ameyaw, Kyebi Forest District Manager of the Forestry Commission, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to combat illegal mining in the forest.
He also appealed to the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa South, Hon. Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, and the District Security Council (DISEC) to intensify efforts to remove illegal miners from the area.
“They are turning the Atewa Forest into a no-go area. Already, about four hectares of land have been destroyed due to illegal mining,” Mr. Ameyaw stated.
CCAL, together with A Rocha Ghana, Eco-Conscious, FLOWER-GEM, CREMAs, Environmental Civil Society Allies, and other organizations, is calling for immediate government intervention.
The group has also petitioned the Eastern Regional Minister, the Abuakwa South Municipal Chief Executive, and other key stakeholders to take swift action to address the situation.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
