Declare Atewa a National Park now to avert ecological disaster- Eco-Conscious Citizens

Eco-Conscious Citizens has warned that Ghana is on the brink of an ecological catastrophe as a result of the continued destruction of its forests, renewing calls for the Atewa Forest Reserve to be declared a national park to secure one of the country’s most vital ecosystems.

The appeal was made by the National Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, at the launch of the Atewa Matters campaign on Wednesday (1 July) . The event, organised by Eco Conscious Citizens in commemoration of World Reaggae Day sought to draw national attention to the urgent need to permanently protect the Atewa Forest Reserve.

Addressing participants, Awula Serwah said the increasing loss of Ghana’s forests is having severe environmental consequences, warning that the country is paying the price through devastating floods, declining biodiversity and growing pressure on water resources.

She linked the torrential rains and flooding that affected parts of Accra on June 29 to environmental degradation, explaining that forests play a critical role in absorbing excess rainfall, regulating water flow and reducing the impact of floods.

“Ghana is on the verge of an ecological catastrophe because we continue to destroy our forests. Nature is warning us, and we must act now to protect the ecosystems that sustain our lives,” she said.

Awula Serwah described the Atewa Forest Reserve as one of Ghana’s most important ecological assets, noting that it serves as the source of the Birim, Ayensu and Densu rivers, which supply water to more than five million Ghanaians.

She said that although Atewa has enjoyed protected status as a forest reserve for more than a century, illegal mining and other destructive activities continue to threaten its biodiversity, water resources and ecological integrity.

According to her, granting Atewa national park status would provide stronger legal protection for the forest and help preserve its rich biodiversity while safeguarding critical water sources for present and future generations.

“We are committed to ensuring that Atewa regains its protected status. Declaring it a national park will help safeguard one of Ghana’s most important ecological assets and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the services it provides,” she stated.

Awula Serwah also appealed to the government to repeal Executive Instrument (EI) 144, which declassifies 361.50 acres of the Achimota Forest Reserve. She argued that at a time when forests are under increasing pressure, Ghana should be strengthening forest protection rather than reducing it.

She recalled that sustained public advocacy led to the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which had permitted mining in forest reserves, expressing confidence that a similar campaign could result in the repeal of EI 144.

“We succeeded in getting LI 2462 repealed through collective action. With the continued support of Ghanaians, we believe EI 144 can also be repealed. We therefore urge everyone to join the campaign to secure national park status for Atewa,” she said.

Adding his voice to the campaign, the Chief of Nmai Dzorn, Okpelor Sowah, called for a united national effort to conserve Ghana’s forests, stressing that they provide medicinal plants, support livelihoods and are essential to the wellbeing of future generations.

“If we continue destroying our forests, how will we survive, and what will future generations depend on?” he asked.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, commended civil society organisations for sustaining advocacy on environmental conservation and encouraged them to continue championing efforts to protect Ghana’s forests and other natural resources.

The Public Relations Officer of Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the campaign and expressed hope for a speedy resolution of the Atronsu case, which they believe will strengthen ongoing efforts to secure the long-term protection of the Atewa landscape.

National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Dr. Seth Appiah Kubi, also underscored the importance of forests to Ghana’s development and environmental sustainability.

“Our forests are important to the survival of this nation. We will continue to dedicate our efforts and mobilise support to protect all forests in Ghana,” he said.

The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise, during which an Atewa tree, sponsored by the Forestry Commission.

Pippa’s Gym also donated 30 additional trees for planting to mark its 30th anniversary and also  reaffirm participants’ commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of Ghana’s forests.