The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been directed to investigate ongoing large-scale clearing and destructive activities within critical sections of Lake Bosomtwe’s core zone in the Ashanti Region.
The directive follows a meeting between the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and officials from the EPA and the Water Resources Commission over the development.
In a brief statement on Facebook after the meeting on Wednesday, April 15, Dr Amoakohene confirmed that all clearing activities have been ordered to cease immediately.
“I met with a team from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Water Resources Commission regarding disturbing reports of destructive clearing along the banks of Lake Bosomtwe.
“All clearing activities have been ordered to cease with immediate effect, and the Environmental Protection Agency has been tasked to investigate the situation and lead efforts to restore the affected areas,” he said.
He further disclosed plans to rehabilitate degraded portions within critical sections of the lake’s core zone.
The development follows concerns raised by A Rocha Ghana over ongoing large-scale clearing activities in the area. In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, the organisation cited reports from residents of Abrodwum and nearby communities, including Adwafo and Abaase, indicating that the activities are expanding toward Abono. The individuals or groups behind the operations remain unidentified.
A Rocha Ghana described the situation as deeply concerning, particularly given the cultural significance of Abrodwum, which is home to the revered Abrodwum Stone, a key spiritual site linked to Asante traditions and ceremonial practices.
Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana’s only natural lake and a UNESCO-designated Man and Biosphere Reserve, is globally recognised for its ecological and scientific importance. Formed by a meteorite impact over one million years ago, the lake supports diverse ecosystems and provides livelihoods for more than 70,000 people across about 30 surrounding communities.
The organisation warned that destruction within the lake’s core zone—the most protected and environmentally sensitive area—poses a serious risk of irreversible ecological damage, with potential consequences for biodiversity, water resources, and local livelihoods.
It added that recent studies have already highlighted mounting environmental pressures on the lake, including shoreline recession and declining fish stocks, compounded by illegal mining activities in surrounding areas.
