Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape(CCAL) have issued a strong call for urgent action to protect the Atewa Forest, warning that ongoing environmental destruction threatens both present and future generations.
In a statement titled “Justice for Ancestors, Justice for Nature,” the group expressed support for national calls for reparations for historical injustices, but cautioned that equal attention must be given to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.
They highlighted the Atewa landscape as a critical ecological zone currently under severe pressure from illegal mining activities, which they say are degrading forest reserves and contaminating key water bodies relied upon by surrounding communities.
“Our water is no longer safe. Our forests are disappearing. Our livelihoods are at risk,” the statement noted, underscoring the growing environmental and social impact of unregulated mining operations in the area.
The group is calling for what it describes as “existential justice” — a framework that prioritises access to clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.
They urged the government to take immediate and decisive measures to clamp down on illegal mining, while also appealing to stakeholders and the general public to prioritise the long-term protection of the Atewa Forest.
The Atewa Forest Reserve is widely recognised for its rich biodiversity and serves as a major source of water for millions of Ghanaians. Environmental advocates have repeatedly warned that continued degradation could have far-reaching consequences for water security and ecological stability.
The Concerned Citizens stressed that justice must not only address past wrongs but also respond to current environmental threats.
“If we fail to protect Atewa today, we betray both our ancestors and our children,” the statement said, adding that the survival of the Atewa landscape is essential to securing the future.
