The Government of Ghana, in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom, has commissioned ten Forest Protection Camps and two checkpoint accommodation facilities to strengthen the fight against illegal mining, illegal logging, and forest encroachment.
The ten camps and two checkpoints have been strategically sited across key forest reserves including Subri River, Apamprama, Oda River, Offin Shelterbelt, Buru, Maluwe, and Nsadweso reserves in the Ashanti and Western Regions.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Oda River Forest Reserve near Numereso in the Ashanti Region, bringing together government officials, traditional authorities, security agencies, development partners, and representatives of the Forestry Commission.
The initiative forms part of the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aimed at improving forest protection, enforcement, and sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources.
Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission Ghana, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the project as a major boost to frontline forest protection operations. He said the new camps would enhance surveillance, rapid response, intelligence gathering, and coordination among security agencies and local communities.
He noted that illegal mining and logging activities have led to significant degradation of forest reserves across the Ashanti, Western North, Ahafo, and Bono regions, warning that increasingly organised forest crimes require stronger enforcement systems on the ground.
According to him, the establishment of permanent protection camps is critical to improving operational efficiency and safeguarding remaining forest reserves.
The Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Terri Sarch, reiterated that the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting sustainable forest governance in Ghana. She said the new facilities would strengthen monitoring and enforcement while supporting frontline officers in protecting forest-fringe communities.
She also highlighted the broader environmental impact of illegal mining and logging, including threats to biodiversity, water bodies, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
On behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Isaac Essien, Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for its continued support. He said the new infrastructure would improve surveillance and strengthen deterrence against forest crimes.
The ceremony also featured the official handing over of the facilities, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and cultural performances, including a presentation by Youth Forest Champions pledging support for forest protection efforts.
Authorities say the new installations mark a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity, strengthen forest governance, and curb environmental degradation driven by illegal mining and logging activities.
