The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed government’s determination to intensify efforts to protect Ghana’s forest reserves against illegal mining, illegal logging and other environmental crimes threatening the country’s natural resources.
The assurance was conveyed through the Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Isaac Essien Esq., who delivered the Minister’s speech during the handing over and inauguration of forest protection camps and checkpoint accommodation facilities constructed for the Forestry Commission by the United Kingdom Government.
The ceremony was held at the Oda River Forest Reserve near Numereso in the Amansie Central District in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Addressing dignitaries and stakeholders on behalf of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Isaac Essien Esq. described the intervention as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s forest conservation agenda and improving the operational efficiency of the Forestry Commission in combating environmental crimes.
He expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for supporting Ghana’s efforts to improve forest governance and conservation.
According to the Minister’s statement, the newly constructed camps and checkpoint facilities will enhance the operational capacity of the Forestry Commission and security agencies in monitoring and protecting forest reserves across the country.
The speech highlighted the growing threats facing Ghana’s forests, including illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, illegal logging, unlawful farming and encroachment into protected reserves.
“Our forestry sector is under severe siege,” Isaac Essien Esq. stated while reading the Minister’s address. “Illegal mining is polluting our vital water bodies while illegal logging poses serious threats to our survival.”
The Minister further noted that continued destruction of forest reserves threatens biodiversity, climate resilience and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on the environment for economic and social survival.
He stressed that protecting the country’s forest resources requires collective national action involving government institutions, traditional authorities, local communities, security agencies and development partners.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, through the speech delivered by Isaac Essien Esq., also emphasized that forest protection operations cannot be effectively coordinated from offices located far away from the forest zones, hence the need for the newly established camps to support rapid response operations and improve surveillance activities within vulnerable reserves.
The Minister commended officers of the Forestry Commission for their dedication and resilience in safeguarding Ghana’s forest resources despite numerous operational challenges.
He also acknowledged the contributions of development partners and the security services in supporting the fight against illegal mining and illegal logging activities across the country.
Present at the ceremony were the Acting UK High Commissioner to Ghana, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, officials of the Forestry Commission, representatives of the security services, development partners and traditional leaders.
The Omanhene of Bekwai, Nana Osei Kwadwo Ababio, together with other chiefs and dignitaries, also attended the event.
The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to strengthen enforcement operations within protected forest zones and support government’s broader efforts to restore degraded forests and preserve Ghana’s environmental resources for future generations.
