The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL) has raised alarm over increasing illegal mining activities in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to one of Ghana’s most important natural resources.
At a recent press conference, the group disclosed that well-established illegal mining camps are now operating deep within the forest. According to CCAL’s Public Relations Officer, Baffour Ampem Darko-Amponsah, these camps function around the clock, enabling continuous mining activities.
He explained that the operations are accelerating deforestation, causing extensive land degradation, and polluting critical upstream water sources that many communities depend on.
CCAL is therefore calling for immediate government action, including the deployment of enforcement teams to dismantle the camps and halt all illegal mining activities. The group also urged authorities to arrest and prosecute all those involved, including financiers, organizers, and collaborators.
Additionally, CCAL is advocating for the eviction of all unauthorized occupants from the forest reserve and the establishment of permanent monitoring systems. These would include joint security task forces and stronger community surveillance mechanisms.
Mr. Darko-Amponsah stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging authorities to provide regular updates on measures taken. He also renewed calls for the Atewa Forest to be designated as a national park to ensure its long-term protection.
He warned that failure to act decisively could lead to irreversible environmental damage with significant economic and social consequences.
Meanwhile, Alfred Owusu Ameyaw of the Forestry Commission emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to combat illegal mining. He appealed to the Abuakwa South Municipal leadership and the District Security Council to intensify efforts to remove illegal miners, noting that about four hectares of land have already been destroyed.
CCAL, together with groups such as A Rocha Ghana and other civil society organizations, has petitioned key stakeholders to take swift action.
At the national level, President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling illegal mining. Speaking at an engagement with civil society organizations, he pledged transparency and encouraged continued public pressure to strengthen the fight against the menace.
He noted that beyond removing illegal miners, the government is focused on identifying and prosecuting key financiers behind such activities to serve as a deterrent.
Background
The Atewa Range Forest is characterized by steep hills with relatively flat summits and is one of the last remnants of an ancient land formation that once covered southern Ghana. The reserve spans about 17,400 hectares of rare upland evergreen forest and serves as the source of three major rivers.
Managed by the Forestry Commission in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Okyeman Environment Foundation, the forest plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and water security. However, it remains under pressure from illegal mining, logging, hunting, and mineral exploration due to the presence of gold and bauxite deposits.
