Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana has sounded a warning that the Atewa Forest Reserve could be lost before the end of 2026 if the government fails to take decisive action to halt illegal miners in the forest.
According to A Rocha Ghana, the Atewa Forest Reserve is facing an unprecedented level of encroachment.
A Rocha Ghana argued that despite the repeal of L.I. 2462, which previously allowed mining in forest reserves, the Atewa Forest Reserve is facing existential threats.
They argued that the Mahama government’s position that forest reserves are no-go areas for mining must be matched with concrete action.
The group argued that illegal miners have entered the Atewa Forest in large numbers, using pickaxes, changfans and other tools to destroy the forest and its water bodies.
Speaking on TV3’s NewDay on September 15, 2026, A Rocha Ghana stated, “In the case of Atewa, the presence of illegal miners is nothing we have seen before. And we think that if the government doesn’t act decisively, we are likely to lose a forest by the end of the year”
“What we have seen, however, is that we are not seeing that reflected in the way actions are taken to protect our forest reserve,” he said.
He further noted that an operation involving 55 police officers resulted in only five arrests due to the alleged leakage of information.
According to Bonsu, the influx of foreigners into communities around the Atewa Forest had worsened the situation.
“The numbers are just too much for the government agencies to contain. And that’s why we think that the risk is real and the government must act decisively,” he stressed.
In related news, Prof Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has said Ghana needs about $21 billion to reclaim and restore lands degraded largely by illegal mining (galamsey).
The former Minister detailed that about 10 per cent of Ghana’s surface area, equivalent to approximately 23,853 square kilometres, had been degraded, which has left Ghana with an enormous environmental restoration bill.
According to Prof Frimpong-Boateng, restoring the Ankobra River alone had been estimated to cost about $400 million.
He described galamsey as “the largest environmental crime in our history”, warning that the destruction of forests and water bodies was exposing mining communities to toxic substances.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the Fourth Annual Colloquium organised by the Department of Political Science Education at the University of Education, Winneba, the event was held under the theme, “Politics, the Environment, and Our Future: Ghana at Crossroads?”.
Prof Frimpong-Boateng stated, “About a tenth of the surface area of Ghana is degraded, some 23,853 square kilometres. Reclaiming and restoring what has already been destroyed would cost in the order of $21 billion”.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the newly sworn-in Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, to provide leadership in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to John Mahama, the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies through illegal mining remains one of the gravest threats to the country’s national survival.
President Mahama urged Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings to protect the country’s natural resources while working to secure a healthier environment for future generations.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, August 29, President Mahama stated, “Your medical training provides a particularly important perspective. The environment is not separate from human health. Polluted rivers, contaminated soils, poor sanitation, unsafe air, and indiscriminate waste disposal eventually find expression in our hospitals and in the health of our people.
Your task, therefore, Honourable Minister, is both environmental and human. You must provide determined leadership to protect Ghana’s natural resources and secure a healthier future for generations yet unborn”.
“The destruction of our forests and water bodies through illegal mining remains one of the gravest threats to our national survival,” he added.
@ghnow_ Hon. Nii Comey has donated 500 chop boxes and mattresses to residents of the Domeabra Obom Constituency. The items are being distributed today at Ashalaja School Park. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Hon. Nii Comey has donated 500 chop boxes and mattresses to residents of the Domeabra Obom Constituency. The items are being distributed today at Ashalaja School Park. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
