The European Union (EU), through the Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes (BRACE) programme and the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), has convened a stakeholders’ consultation on environmental sustainability at Osino-Saman in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
The engagement brought together community members, traditional authorities and key regulatory bodies, including the Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission (WRC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The forum aimed to address the environmental impact of extractive activities, particularly illegal mining, while promoting responsible practices and community participation in natural resource governance.
Public Relations Officer of CCAL, Baffour Ampem Darko-Amponsah, said the consultation was intended to strengthen community awareness of their role in protecting the Atewa Forest and its ecological significance.
He noted that the platform also sought to bridge the gap between state institutions and local communities by clarifying the mandates of regulatory agencies and outlining expectations for community cooperation.
Mr. Darko-Amponsah added that discussions focused on the adverse effects of illegal mining, citizens’ rights and responsibilities in environmental protection, and the need to safeguard biodiversity within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.
“The engagement also provides an opportunity for community members to raise concerns and seek clarification on issues affecting them,” he said.
Convener of CCAL, Paul Asumaku, reiterated the group’s commitment to protecting the Atewa Forest through sustained advocacy and community empowerment initiatives.
Kaba Abakeh of the Densu Basin Secretariat under the Water Resources Commission emphasised the urgency of addressing water pollution, noting that illegal mining activities have significantly degraded water bodies in the area.
Principal Inspector of Mines in charge of Environment at the Minerals Commission in Koforidua, Madam Regina Abbey, commended the organisers, stating that such engagements help deepen public understanding of the Commission’s regulatory role. She explained that the Commission is responsible for monitoring and regulating mining activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Residents who participated in the forum expressed concern over the widespread destruction of water bodies, attributing it to illegal mining operations. They further alleged that benefits from licensed mining activities have not adequately reached affected communities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
