The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says though he is not seeking to justify the continuous degradation of our forests, Ghanaians must appreciate the enormity of the problem that government is dealing with, which is a historical challenge.
According to him, the challenge notwithstanding, a concerted and determined effort to clamp down on deforestation and the degradation of our forests would continue.
Speaking about the state of Ghana’s forest at a news conference in Accra yesterday, Minister Jinapor noted that at the heart of these various illegal enterprises was money “and once we are dealing with money, the cartels operating in our forest reserves will find every means of outwitting our efforts.”
He, however, stated that the Government of President Akufo-Addo remained absolutely determined to protect and preserve these resources for current and future generations, adding “we will not relent”.
He indicated that Ghana’s forests are some of the most important in the West African sub-region and that it was important that steps are taken to ensure that they are well preserved.
“As you are aware, the natural resources of our country are by the dictates of our Constitution, the property of the people of Ghana. As trustees of these resources, we have a duty to account to you, the beneficiaries of these resources.
“You will recall that we undertook this same exercise last year, when I led the three main Commissions under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, namely the Lands, Minerals and Forestry Commissions, to brief the nation through this same medium on the various programmes and policies that were being implemented to effectively and efficiently manage our natural resources. It is in that same spirit that this press briefing is being done.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Mr John Allottey, on his part said
the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has identified 34 Forest Reserves, which are under threat or depletion, as a result of illegal mining activities.
According to the Ministry, 4,726.2 hectors of Ghana’s forest cover stands to be affected as a result of this phenomena.
Mr Allottey identified some of these areas where these threats are being experienced as the Anhiawso East, Afao Hills, Tano Anhwia, Nano Nimire and Upper Wassaw Forest Reserves in the Western Region.
In the Ashanti Region, the Bosomtwe Range, Offin Shelterbelt, Tano Offin (South) and Forest Reserves are some of the areas that are under threat due to illegal mining.
The popular Atiwa Range and Atiwa Range Extention in Kyebi and Kade respectively in the Eastern region are also under threat.
Some forest reserves in the Central, Upper East, Savannah and Western North were also captured as part of the 34.
Mr Allottey noted that aside illegal mining activities, other activities that threaten the forest cover include expansion of farmlands, illegal logging, chain sawing, overgrasing, infrastructural development and human settlements.
Speaking about measures being put in place to salvage the situation, the Forestry Commission CEO noted that currently those engaged in the act have employed the services of private security personnel who use sophisticated assault rifles and other weaponry and that had made it impossible for personnel of the Commission to match them boot for boot for now.
He, however, noted that the Ghana Armed Forces has taken some personnel of the Commission through training in order to equip them to be able to face those seeking to destroy the forest covert. He also noted that some number of guns have also been procured for their use.
Mr Allotey said the Commission, together with the Ministry, are also engaged in the seizure and immobilisation of mining equipment as well as the destruction of structures within the forest reserves. He continued that the Ministry has also been arresting illegal miners as well the destruction of illegal farms in forest reserves.
