The Forestry Commission has officially handed over 10 forest protection camps and two checkpoints to strengthen the fight against illegal mining, logging and other crimes in the forest.
The 10 beneficiary Reserves are Subri River, Abrewa Nni Nkran, Benson, Asamang, Apamprama (Kobro), Apamprama (Odaho), Odaho River (Bepotenten/Skuulmo), Odaho River (Watreso), Numereso, Offin Shelterbelt (Anwiafutu), Offin Shelterbelt (Mmofrafaadwen), Buru (Kintampo), Maluwe and Nsadweso.
Checkpoints have also been established in Bono East and Savannah regions to curb illegal timber exports. The handover and inauguration ceremony took place at the Oda River Forest Reserve, under the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership.
Dr. Hugh Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said the facilities mark another significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard Ghana’s forests and natural resources.
According to him, in December last year, the Government of the United Kingdom, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Government of Ghana, through the Forestry Commission, entered into a strategic partnership to improve forest governance in Ghana.
He noted that the handing over and inauguration of 10 forest protection camps and two checkpoints was one key achievement under the partnership.
He explained that the new camps represent a shift from the traditional patrol system to continuous on-site protection and rapid response unlike previously, when a single forest guard often patrolled alone from rented accommodation in fringe communities.
The CEO stated that the new model allows officers to live and work in teams closer to vulnerable reserves noting that Ghana’s forests are under enormous pressure as Illegal logging and mining continue to threaten our forest reserves, water bodies, biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
He noted that thousands of hectares in the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Ahafo, and Bono regions have been degraded, with rivers polluted and Wildlife habitats destroyed.
Dr. Brown acknowledged that staffing remains a challenge, with a reported gap of over 2,500 Resource Guards, as of early 2026 and called for increased recruitment, better logistics, improved welfare and stronger institutional support for frontline officers.
Dr. Terri Sarah, Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, underscored the importance of the newly handed-over forest protection camps saying they are vital to addressing the serious threats facing Ghana’s forests.
Dr. Sarah said deforestation, illegal mining, and illegal logging continue to threaten biodiversity, water resources, and climate resilience stressing that the challenges facing Ghana’s forests are very serious, which needed stronger frontline presence, improved coordination, and better facilities to address these threats effectively.
She noted that the ceremony highlights the value of the long-standing partnership between the United Kingdom and Ghana, particularly with the Forestry Commission stressing that the UK cherishes its partnership with Ghana and the Forestry Commission.
“For many years we have worked to support forest governance, strengthen the systems and institutions needed to protect forests, and promote sustainable forest management”, Dr. Sarah noted and stressed that effective forest protection requires more than policies and partnerships.
“It also demands the right tools, the right personnel, and support for the officers and communities working in and around the forest reserves”, she added.
The British Envoy expressed optimism that the site camps would provide accommodation and infrastructure for those working daily to protect our forests.
She said the accommodations symbolize the shared commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and natural resources on which communities around these reserves rely.
She commended the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, traditional authorities, and all partners who made the initiative possible.
She reiterated that the UK remains committed to working with Ghana to strengthen forest protection and support sustainable forestry to ensure that Ghana’s forests endure as a source of resilience, prosperity, and national pride.
Isaac Essien Esq., Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board and representative of Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the partnership.
He said defending forests required constant and visible patrols, enhanced monitoring, and 24-hour operations.
Nana Boapim Mpenkro II, Bekwai Twafohene, proposed a four-year closure of all forest reserves to allow ecosystems and wildlife to recover.
He also urged the government to recruit more forest guards and encouraged communities to provide intelligence to support enforcement.
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