Forestry Commission demands permanent military presence to reclaim Jimirah forest from illegal miners

The Jimirah Forest in the Nkawie Forestry District is facing serious threats. Illegal miners are operating there with protection from armed thugs.

Since January, Forestry Commission officers have struggled to access the area. Armed individuals have made it unsafe for officials to inspect the damage. Military intervention was necessary for a recent inspection.

Failed Attempts and Escalation

Abraham Essel, the Nkawie District Manager of the Forestry Commission, reported failed attempts to remove illegal miners. In January, their efforts were blocked by armed guards protecting the miners. "We tried to mobilize but faced weapon-wielding thugs," he said.

On Thursday morning, military officers were deployed for an operation. However, by their arrival, most miners had fled with equipment. Excavators and machinery left behind had been demobilized.

Tracks led them to eight parked excavators hidden in Adobewora community. The Acting Executive Director Lydia Opoku and Ashanti Regional Manager Clement Omari joined this operation.

Environmental Devastation

Illegal mining has destroyed large areas of forest cover. Land has been dug up and vegetation stripped in search of gold. A mature plantation owned by Tepa Sawmill is among the affected areas.

"They established this plantation many years ago," Mr Essel noted. The Forestry Commission received permission to assess trees for harvesting but could not access them due to illegal mining activities. Preliminary estimates suggest millions of cedis worth of trees are affected.

Additionally, River Punpuni has suffered severe damage from mining activities. Once a vital water source for farmers, it is now silted and unhealthy.

"The whole ecosystem has lost its resilience," Mr Essel stated about the impact on sustainable forest practices.

Call for a Military Base in the Forest

The military previously supported the Forestry Commission in operations, including one in February. Nine excavators have been confiscated during these missions, but no arrests have occurred yet.

Mr Essel is advocating for a permanent military presence in the area. "This situation has become a security matter," he explained. He emphasized that forestry officers lack protection against heavily armed thugs.

He suggested establishing a military base nearby for constant support during operations. Regional Manager Clement Omari fully supports this proposal as well.

Appeal to Local Communities

The Commission urges local communities and traditional leaders to help protect forest reserves. "We are surprised that communities do not seem supportive," Mr Essel remarked about excavators being parked nearby at night.

Acting Executive Director Lydia Opoku stressed that protecting forests is everyone's responsibility and called for community cooperation.