The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, has called for the transformation of the Forestry Commission into a paramilitary environmental protection institution to combat the growing threat of illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
Speaking at the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, Dr. Brown said illegal miners have become more organised and heavily armed, posing serious risks to both the environment and Forestry Commission personnel.
He said the proposed transformation would empower the Commission with specialized training, advanced logistics, and a clear legal mandate to operate effectively alongside national security agencies.
The initiative also includes plans to establish permanent Forest Protection Camps, deploy drones and satellite surveillance, and review the Forestry Commission Act (Act 571) to strengthen enforcement powers.
Dr. Brown clarified that the proposal was not to militarise forest management but to “professionalise and fortify” it, stressing that forest protection is now a matter of national and water security as well as generational survival.
As of August 2025, 44 forest reserves have experienced illegal mining activities. Between 2023 and 2025, operations to clear forest reserves led to the arrest of 1,190 offenders and the seizure of 190 excavators and other heavy machinery, but only 35 convictions were secured. Dr. Brown said this gap underscored the urgent need for stronger institutional authority and judicial support.
He commended Forestry Commission staff for their bravery and commitment despite the dangers they face. “To all the hardworking and dedicated staff who wake up daily to protect our forests and wildlife reserves, even at the peril of their lives, I salute you,” he said. “You are the unsung heroes in this struggle.”
Source: FC
