Chief blames Forestry Commission for destruction of Gyeanima Forest

The Gyeanima Forest Reserve is in the Sekyere South District. It is located in the Ashanti Region. Unknown individuals are clearing parts of this protected land for farming.

The reserve covers about 15.54 square kilometers. It was officially gazetted in 1931. It is one of nine forest reserves managed by the Offinso Forest District.

Nana Boakye Yiadom, Chief of Wiamoase, expressed deep concern. He spoke to Channel One News about the tree clearing for agriculture. He warned that illegal mining gets more attention than this issue.

He believes this environmental degradation is being overlooked. He accused the Forestry Commission of allowing forest destruction through inaction. “I blame the Forestry Commission,” he said, “They should monitor tree cutting.”

He added that some workers collaborate with settlers who farm there. The nearest Forestry Commission office is in a neighboring town.

Edward Nyamaah manages the Offinso Forestry District's commission. He refuted claims of encroachment on the reserve. He explained that there are about 41 admitted farms within it.

These farms legally permit farming activities in the reserve. “We rarely collaborate with communities around reserves,” he stated. “We engage both indigenes and settlers for plantation work.”