Renewed drive to protect Atewa Forest gains momentum

A renewed drive to protect the Atewa ecological landscape and promote environmental sustainability has gained momentum following a major stakeholder consultation convened at Osino-Saman in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region under the European Union-supported Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes (BRACE) programme.

The engagement, organized in collaboration with the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), brought together community members, traditional authorities, environmental advocates, and state regulatory institutions to deliberate on the growing ecological threats facing the Atewa enclave, particularly from illegal mining and unsustainable extractive activities.

Representatives from key regulatory agencies, including the Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission (WRC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, participated in the forum, which focused on fostering dialogue, strengthening public awareness, and promoting community participation in environmental governance.

Public Relations Officer of CCAL, Baffour Ampem Darko-Amponsah, explained that the consultation formed part of efforts to deepen public understanding of the critical ecological importance of the Atewa Forest and encourage local communities to actively participate in protecting one of Ghana’s most valuable biodiversity hotspots.

He noted that Atewa remains a vital national environmental asset, serving as a source of major river systems, rich biodiversity, and forest resources that sustain thousands of livelihoods.

According to him, protecting the Atewa landscape requires a collective effort involving government institutions, local communities, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities.

Mr. Darko-Amponsah said the stakeholder consultation also sought to bridge the information gap between communities and state agencies by clarifying the mandates of environmental and mining regulatory bodies, outlining citizens’ responsibilities and creating space for open engagement on pressing environmental concerns.

He indicated that discussions at the forum centered on the devastating impact of illegal mining on rivers, forests, and farmlands, as well as broader issues of environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, and responsible natural resource governance.

“The engagement also provides an opportunity for community members to raise concerns, ask questions, and seek clarity on environmental issues that directly affect their lives and livelihoods,” he stated.

Convener of CCAL, Paul Asumaku, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to sustained advocacy aimed at protecting the Atewa Forest and empowering communities to become frontline defenders of their environment.

Speaking on water conservation, Kaba Abakeh of the Densu Basin Secretariat under the Water Resources Commission stressed that water pollution in mining-affected communities has reached worrying levels and requires urgent intervention.

He warned that illegal mining continues to contaminate rivers and streams that serve as critical water sources for both domestic use and agriculture, thereby threatening public health and long-term water security.

Also addressing participants, Madam Regina Abbey, principal inspector of mines in charge of environment at the Minerals Commission in Koforidua, commended the organizers for creating a platform that promotes public education and stakeholder engagement.

She explained that the Minerals Commission’s role includes regulating mining operations, monitoring compliance with environmental standards, and ensuring that extractive activities are undertaken responsibly and sustainably.

Community members who participated in the consultation expressed deep concern over the continued destruction of water bodies and forest resources, attributing much of the environmental damage to illegal mining activities.

Some residents also raised concerns that communities hosting licensed mining concessions often receive little meaningful benefit from such operations, despite bearing the environmental and social costs.

The consultation ended with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, greater community inclusion in natural resource governance, and sustained public education to safeguard the Atewa landscape for future generations.

 

 

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