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Environmental organizations are pushing for Atewa Range Forest Reserve to become a National Park to combat the surge in illegal mining activities, according to a recent media engagement in Accra. The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape, A Rocha Ghana, and Eco Conscious Citizens made their demands, emphasizing the need for enhanced security and more resources for agencies tasked with protecting the reserve.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve, established in 1926, is one of Ghana's crucial forest ecosystems, housing a diverse array of plant and animal species, as well as being the origin of major rivers such as the Ayensu, Densu, and Birim. However, the forest is grappling with escalating illegal mining pressures while state agencies responsible for enforcing environmental and forestry regulations are struggling to curb these activities.

Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, highlighted the overwhelming scale of illegal operations in the region, stating that forestry officials had even been held hostage while trying to enforce the law against illegal miners. Awula Serwah, an Eco-conscious citizen, described the situation as dire and called for stronger protective measures, asserting that converting the reserve into a National Park would offer superior protection.

She also advocated for agencies combating illegal mining to be adequately resourced and a permanent response team deployed to safeguard the forest.

The environmental groups believe that bestowing National Park status on Atewa would establish a more robust and sustainable framework for preserving the forest and its biodiversity. They contend that safeguarding the reserve could shield critical water sources and offer sustainable development prospects for nearby communities.

Therefore, the groups are urging the government and relevant institutions to take immediate action to prevent further degradation of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. They demand stronger enforcement against illegal mining, improved resources for protective agencies, and the conversion of the reserve into a National Park. They underscore the importance of preserving Atewa not only for its diverse biodiversity but also for the millions of Ghanaians who rely on the forest and its water resources, advocating for sustained efforts to protect the forest for future generations.