Gwira youth petition Mahama over proposed mining in Draw River Forest Reserve

The Gwira Youth Development Association (GYDA) has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to clarify the legal status of proposed mining activities by Betterland Mining Company in the Draw River Forest Reserve following the repeal of regulations that permitted mining in forest reserves under certain conditions.

In the petition, the association, representing concerned residents of Gwira Banso and surrounding communities in the Nzema East Municipality, called on the government to state whether the company holds any valid authorisation to undertake mining activities within the reserve.

The association also wants clarification on whether any transitional arrangements, existing mining leases, prospecting licences or special government approvals could permit mining in the reserve following the repeal of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462).

GYDA said residents had observed the movement of heavy equipment, security personnel and individuals allegedly connected to mining activities in the area, raising concerns about the legal basis for the proposed operations.

The association also asked whether Betterland Mining Company had undergone the required environmental, technical and financial assessments to demonstrate its capacity to operate in compliance with Ghanaian law.

Beyond the legal questions, the group said residents were concerned about the potential environmental impact of mining on the Draw River Forest Reserve, which it described as the only forest reserve serving the area.

It cited risks including deforestation, water pollution and biodiversity loss, adding that the majority of residents in the affected communities opposed mining within the reserve.

The petition also raised concerns about the safety of residents who speak against mining activities, urging the government to protect community members from alleged intimidation, harassment, threats and violence.

GYDA further called for full, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths of two people it said were linked by residents to tensions surrounding mining activities in the area.

According to the petition, 13-year-old Pius Nkansa died at Adelekezo on December 13, 2025, while Angwah Mensah died at Abganzie on May 24, 2026. The association said residents believed the deaths were connected to disputes involving alluvial mining, but called for investigations to establish the circumstances and ensure accountability.

The group urged the government to hold anyone found responsible for wrongdoing accountable, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or position.

It is also seeking a clear public statement from the President on whether Betterland Mining Company’s proposed activities are consistent with the government’s policy on forest protection and the repeal of L.I. 2462.

The petition was signed by Isaac Wandah Kwofie, Dennis Kwame Miezah and Isaac Yeboah on behalf of GYDA and copied to several government institutions, security agencies, mining and environmental regulators, parliamentary committees and traditional authorities.

The association said it remained committed to protecting Ghana’s forests, rivers and natural heritage.

The petition raises questions about the legal status of the proposed operations but does not establish whether Betterland Mining Company holds valid mining rights or has received any specific authorisation to operate in the reserve.