Mongabay · Climate & nature

Illegal mining threatens Ghana's Atewa Forest and water supply

Illegal mining operations are overwhelming forestry officials in Ghana's Atewa Forest Reserve, endangering a vital water source for millions and a critical biodiversity hotspot.

The Atewa Forest Reserve, home to numerous threatened and endangered species, is being overrun by illegal miners. These operations have stripped forest cover, created pits, and polluted streams, jeopardizing the drinking water for up to five million Ghanaians.

Conservation groups like A Rocha Ghana report that miners, using basic equipment and sometimes operating at night, have contaminated watercourses with mercury, cyanide, and arsenic. The Forestry Commission is reportedly overwhelmed by the scale and aggression of these incursions.

Atewa is a significant biodiversity hotspot, hosting hundreds of bird and butterfly species, including several critically endangered ones like the Afia Birago's puddle frog and the Atewa slippery frog. It is also the only known home for these specific species.

Miners, including foreigners, are entering the forest with basic tools, causing extensive damage. There are concerns that arrested miners are quickly granted bail and return to their activities, with some cases pending for years.

A Rocha Ghana and other groups are urging the government to provide more resources to the Forestry Commission and law enforcement. They also advocate for the reserve to be designated a national park for enhanced protection.

While acknowledging the validity of these concerns, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) stated that it is collaborating with security agencies to take decisive action within the reserve, guided by intelligence and operational assessments.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.