The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called for renewed commitment toward protecting the Atewa Range Forest Reserve.
He made the call at Kyebi marking 100 years since the Atewa Range Forest was gazetted as a protected forest, a process initiated by Nana Ofori-Atta.
The Atewa range Forest Reserve and its surrounding landscape span more than 52 communities in the Eastern region.
It covers an area of about 255 square kilometres and lies within the moist semi deciduous forest zone, standing as the only remaining upland evergreen forest.
It also serves as the source of three major rivers the Densu, Birim and Ayensu, as well as over 99 streams, making Atewa a protected area that provides water for millions of Ghanaians and stands as one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Beyond its ecological importance, the forest is underlain by bauxitic soils, gold deposits, as well as other minerals.
The Okyehene, together with concerned citizens of the Atewa landscape, A Rocha Ghana, and the Forestry Commission, officially launched the centenary celebration of the Atewa Forest.
Reflecting on history, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin highlighted the legacy of Nana Ofori -Atta, whose efforts led to the gazetting of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in January 1926.
“He saw the future and made commitment to ensure the forest reserve was protected by gazetting it. That is for sight, he knew the forest was rich in minerals, but also was critical to our livelihood. So he cautioned us not to touch it, 100 years ago that decision was taken”
He underscored the need for effective leadership in protecting the forest and reaffirmed his personal commitment to its conservation.
“Leadership is critical in protecting the forest, we have resisted the mining of bauxite, they should inform us how the flora and fauna would not be destroyed if that minning takes place. What’s more worrying is the takeover of portions of the forest by foreigners, we do not have soldiers and guns to fight them. But we would not relent, I urge my chiefs to commit to protecting the forest, it is the most important thing we can do for the generation yet to come.”
The Abuakwa South Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Addo Aikins, reiterated the forest has come under increasing threat, with illegal mining activities and logging becoming more rampant impacting farming and other livelihoods.
“We are renewing our scared promise to protect what gives us life. 100 years the Atewa forest has stood as a silent guardian over our lives. feeds our rivers protecr our farms,cool our climate and sustain the livelihood across several jurisdictions.Atewa is our pride and our inheritance and our responsibility.Yet we must be honest with ourselves.The forest is bleeding, illegal minning and other destructive activities have threatened our rivers, farmlands and future of our youth.”
Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Security and Intelligence, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, emphasised that economic development must not come at the expense of the environment.
“The surge of illegal mining and it’s impact on food security, water and human security, people do not understand that the ramifications are more than what we realise now. We are nothing without our environment, if we destroy the forna and flora. If we allow what is going on to continue it is against everything and in fact against human right. So what you are doing here is protecting the human rights of generations unborn”
The National Director of the environmental advocacy, non governmental organisation A Rocha Ghana, Dr. Seth Appiah-Kubi, noted that the importance of the Atewa Forest extends beyond Ghana’s borders and must have a seal of a national park urgently.
“It stands out as a rich ecological site of global importance. If it is designated as a national park, the level of forest protection would be enhanced, and there would be significant development of ecotourism infrastructure.”
Plans to mine bauxite in the area waiting range forest reserve have been strongly resisted by civil society groups and other stakeholders.
Sustainable Development Goals 11,13,14 and 15 enjoins government to lead citizens to safeguard biodiversity and celebrate process towards more sustainable and equitable conservation practices by the year 2030
The theme for the 100 years celebration was “Our legacy, our future”.
Celebrations would kick off with line up of activities such as dialogues, cultural events, educational campaigns, tree planting exercises, and policy engagement.
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