50 forest reserves affected by illegal mining, Ghana Institute of Foresters reveal
The Ghana Institute of Foresters has revealed that 50 protected reserves, including 49 forest reserves and 1 wildlife reserve, have been affected by illegal mining activities.
Institute during its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) November 6,2025 called on the government to ban all forms of mining in forest reserves.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Hugh Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, emphasized the need for urgent measures to protect the country’s forests from the devastating impact of mining.
“Our foresters remain resolute in the fight against mining in our forest reserves. We salute you, our unsung heroes who have demonstrated courage in the face of danger, for your selfless service which hardly receives the public recognition and praise you deserve,” Dr. Brown said.
According to reports, the forest reserves heavily affected include Apamprama Forest Reserve, Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, and Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.
The Commission notes that some foresters have been killed or suffered fatal injuries in their efforts to stop mining in forest reserves.
The meeting also heard that out of 1,190 illegal miners arrested between 2023 and October 2025, only 35 have been successfully prosecuted.
The Forestry Commission is calling for the resumption of the destruction of excavators and other mining equipment found operating in forest reserves, as well as the replacement of the L.I. 2462 and L.I. 2501 with a new law that permits restricted mining in production forests only.
“We strongly condemn the recent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region, leading to the unlawful release of arrested illegal miners and seized vehicles,” the Forestry Commission said.
The Commission is also calling for increased efforts to restore the forests degraded by mining activities and intensify public education on the devastating impacts of galamsey.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng, Kumasi.
