Do not watch on for armed gangs to claim lands, forests for illegal mining, logging – Foresters to gov’t

The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) is urging the government to act. They want measures to stop armed gangs in forest reserves.

The group is worried about armed groups invading these areas. These gangs engage in illegal gold mining and timber extraction.

They use sophisticated weapons and threaten Forestry Commission staff. This puts the lives of those managing the reserves at risk.

In a statement, GIF mentioned recent incidents in the Offin Shelterbelt. The Lands Minister revealed that forest guards cannot confront these gangs. These thugs have taken control of 44 forest reserves.

On March 23, 2025, a member of the Rapid Response Team was attacked. He is now fighting for his life after an assault by illegal miners.

GIF claims some miners work with foreign mercenaries for control. They condemn these attacks and call for immediate government intervention.

They warn that if this continues, national security will be threatened. Rival gangs are already injuring each other over resources.

“If we do nothing, gangs may take over villages,” they stated. The foresters demand urgent action from the government to address this issue.

“The State must not allow armed gangs to claim our lands,” they added.

Additionally, GIF supports repealing L.I 2462 as promised by the NDC government during their campaign in 2024.

They want new mining laws that protect the environment instead of existing ones.

“Revoking L.I. 2462 was a key promise from the current government,” they concluded.