The Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL) has renewed its call for urgent government action to protect the Atewa Forest and its surrounding ecosystem, urging authorities to declare a State of Environmental Emergency within the Atewa Landscape and fast-track the establishment of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as a National Park.
In a statement issued to mark World Environment Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For our Future,” CCAL emphasized the critical role the Atewa Forest plays in Ghana’s environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The group described the Atewa Forest as one of Ghana’s most valuable ecological assets, often referred to as the country’s “right lung” because of its significant contribution to oxygen production and environmental conservation. The forest also serves as the source of the Densu, Ayensu, and Birim rivers, which provide water and livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians.
CCAL noted that protecting the Atewa Landscape is not only a local concern but a national and global responsibility due to its rich biodiversity and environmental importance.
The organization welcomed recent engagements by the European Union Ambassador, the World Bank, the Forestry Commission, traditional authorities, and local stakeholders under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, aimed at reducing deforestation, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving forest conservation efforts.
However, the group stressed that these initiatives must be supported by stronger policy commitments and decisive government action to ensure the long-term protection of the landscape.
CCAL revealed that on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, it submitted a petition to Parliament’s Select Committee on Petitions, calling on the government to declare an environmental emergency in the Atewa Landscape and accelerate the process of establishing the Atewa National Park.
The group appealed to the committee to expedite consideration of the petition, arguing that the environmental, social, and economic benefits of protecting Atewa far outweigh the consequences of continued degradation.
CCAL also called for improved governance in Ghana’s mining sector, emphasizing that while mineral resources contribute to national development, extraction activities must be carried out in a manner that protects forests, biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of affected communities.
The organization further urged the government to invest in large-scale land reclamation, afforestation, and reforestation programmes, while expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities that align with environmental protection goals.
“The future of Atewa is inseparable from the future of Ghana,” the statement said, stressing that climate action must begin with the protection of forests, restoration of degraded lands, conservation of biodiversity, and safeguarding of critical water resources.
CCAL concluded its statement with a rallying call: “Protect Atewa Today, Secure Ghana’s Future Tomorrow.”
The statement was signed by Asumaku Paul, Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL).
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
