Atewa Forest
As Ghana faces growing concerns over climate change, rising temperatures and pressure on water resources, environmental experts are drawing attention to the Atewa Forest Reserve as one of the country’s most critical ecosystems for climate resilience and biodiversity protection.
Located in the Eastern Region, the Atewa Forest is one of Ghana’s remaining upland evergreen forests and serves as the source of major rivers including the Densu, Ayensu and Birim, which supply water to millions of people and support farming and industrial activities.
The forest was designated as a National Forest Reserve in 1926 and later recognised as a Special Biological Protection Area in 1994 and a Hill Sanctuary in 1995. In 1999, Atewa was listed among Ghana’s 30 Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs), underscoring its ecological importance both nationally and internationally.
Scientists have described Atewa as one of the most ecologically important landscapes in West Africa due to its rich biodiversity and rare upland evergreen forest ecosystem — one of the rarest forest types on the continent.
This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), observed on May 22, is being commemorated under the theme: “Acting locally for global impact.”
The theme highlights the importance of local conservation actions in addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
Conservationists say Atewa represents a clear example of how protecting local ecosystems can have far-reaching benefits for climate stability, water security and sustainable livelihoods.
“Atewa provides water for over five million people,” Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Coordinator of A Rocha Ghana, told The Fourth Estate in a recent interview. “As a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area, it is one of the most critical ecosystems in the country.”
Mr. Bosu explained that ongoing destruction of the forest disrupts the natural interaction between rainfall, tree canopies and soil systems, which are essential for groundwater recharge and the steady flow of streams and rivers.
According to him, the loss of tree cover and erosion of topsoil weakens natural filtration systems and destabilises river flow, increasing the risk of long-term water shortages for communities that depend on these water sources.
“We might as well forget about getting water to drink from our rivers if we don’t tackle the issue from the source,” he warned.
Environmental scientists explain that forests play a vital role in regulating temperatures and rainfall patterns by absorbing carbon dioxide and helping stabilise local climates.
According to conservation advocates, the destruction of forest ecosystems through illegal mining, logging and encroachment reduces the environment’s ability to store carbon and regulate heat, contributing to rising temperatures and changing weather conditions.
Experts also warn that forest degradation could worsen water stress in parts of the country.
The Atewa Forest feeds major river systems that support domestic water supply and agriculture, but pollution and destruction linked to illegal mining activities continue to pose risks to these water bodies.
“This is why we all must be concerned with what happens in Atewa,” said Elikem Kotoko, the Forestry Commission’s Deputy Director in charge of Operations.
Mr. Kotoko also revealed the broader impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s forest reserves, stating that, “We have lost a total of 12,000 football-pitch-equivalent forest cover to illegal mining in forest reserves.”
Amid the growing environmental concerns, some conservation and restoration initiatives are also emerging within the Atewa landscape.
One of such initiatives is the Zijin Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project being undertaken by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL), operator of the Akyem Gold Mine, in partnership with the Forestry Commission.
The 10-year programme seeks to achieve “No Net Loss” of biodiversity through restoration and conservation measures designed to compensate for ecological impacts associated with mining activities.
According to project details, ZGRL has planted 317 hectares of plantation forest to compensate for 101 hectares of forest reserve affected by mining activities, exceeding its legal reclamation requirement.
The project also includes enrichment planting, natural regeneration, forest monitoring and agroforestry support for surrounding communities aimed at reducing pressure on the reserve.
Environmental experts note that while reforestation helps restore vegetation cover, biodiversity conservation also requires protection of wildlife habitats, ecosystem relationships and long-term ecological stability.
The degradation of biodiversity is increasingly seen as a threat to food systems and rural livelihoods.
Scientists note that biodiversity supports pollination, soil fertility and ecosystem balance needed for agricultural productivity. Changes in rainfall patterns and ecosystem decline could further affect cocoa production and food crop cultivation, particularly in vulnerable farming communities.
Public health concerns have also emerged as part of the broader environmental challenge.
Researchers and environmental advocates warn that polluted water sources, contaminated food chains and prolonged heat exposure could create additional health risks for communities affected by environmental degradation.
Conservationists argue that protecting biodiversity-rich ecosystems such as Atewa is essential not only for wildlife conservation but also for climate adaptation, water sustainability and long-term economic resilience.
As the world marks the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity, environmental experts say Ghana’s response to threats facing ecosystems like Atewa could significantly shape the country’s ability to manage future climate and environmental pressures.
