Ghana has commissioned and handed over 10 forest protection camps and two checkpoint accommodation facilities at the Oda River Forest Reserve, with support from the UK government, as the country intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining, logging,, and other threats to its woodlands.
The facilities represent the government’s broader commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental protection, according to a speech delivered by Issac Essien, Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, on behalf of Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Ghana’s forests remain critical national assets that support livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience, and the government is determined to protect them through stronger enforcement and improved operational capacity, the Minister’s statement noted.
“The protection of our forests requires commitment, vigilance and the right infrastructure for officers on the ground,” Buah said. The Minister also commended development partners, traditional authorities and local communities for supporting forest governance initiatives in Ghana.
Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in efforts to improve forest security and operational effectiveness across the country.
“These facilities will greatly improve monitoring, coordination and rapid response operations in our forest reserves,” Brown stated.
Dr. Terri Sarch, Acting Deputy UK Commissioner for Ghana, delivered remarks on behalf of the United Kingdom, saying the handover demonstrates the strong partnership between Ghana and the UK in promoting sustainable forest management.
She noted that through programmes such as the FCDO’s Forest Governance, Markets and Climate initiative, the UK has continued to support Ghana in strengthening forest governance and enforcement systems.
Illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has devastated swathes of Ghana’s forest reserves and polluted water bodies, prompting repeated government crackdowns and raising concerns about the long-term viability of the country’s natural resource base. The new camps mark the latest attempt to give enforcement personnel the physical infrastructure needed to patrol and protect remote forest areas.
