A coalition of concerned citizens and environmental groups has petitioned government authorities to take urgent action to halt what they describe as ongoing illegal mining activities in the Atewa Forest Reserve.
The petition, addressed to the Eastern Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive, and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, raises alarm over the reported establishment of illegal mining camps within the protected forest.
The group, operating under the name Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL), and supported by organisations including A Rocha Ghana, Facilitating Learning of Women in Emerging Regions (FLOWER), and Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), alleges that the camps are operating on a 24-hour basis deep within the forest.
According to the petition, these activities are contributing to deforestation, land degradation, and pollution of key water bodies originating from the Atewa Forest.
Describing the situation as a “sustained occupation” rather than isolated incidents, the group warned of the potential long-term impact on biodiversity, water security, and public health if the situation is not addressed promptly.
The Atewa Forest Reserve is considered a critical ecological zone and a major watershed for several rivers in Ghana.
The petitioners are calling for the immediate deployment of security and enforcement teams to dismantle the alleged illegal mining camps and halt operations. They are also demanding the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved, including financiers and organisers.
Additional recommendations include the eviction of all unauthorized occupants, the establishment of permanent monitoring mechanisms such as joint security task forces, and enhanced community-based surveillance systems.
The group further called for increased transparency and regular public updates on actions taken by authorities.
As part of long-term measures, the petition urges government to accelerate efforts to designate the Atewa Forest as a National Park to ensure its protection and sustainable management.
The petitioners cautioned that failure to act decisively could result in irreversible environmental damage with broader economic and social consequences.
