Concerned citizens of Atewa landscape urge Mahama to repeal L.I 2462 and protect Atewa Forest Reserve
The Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL) have called on President John Dramani Mahama to repeal L.I 2462, warning that the current law puts the nation’s forest reserves, particularly Atewa, in a vulnerable state.
In a press release marking World Wetlands Day, CCAL Coordinator Paul Asumaku emphasized that the law threatens the integrity of Ghana’s remaining fragile forest reserves.
He rallied policymakers, traditional leaders, environmental organizations, and all Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining and deforestation, especially in the Atewa region.
“On this World Wetlands Day, Concerned Citizens of Atewa calls on His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to repeal L.I 2462 which put a dent on the integrity of our few remaining fragile forests.”
The group demanded that the Atewa Forest and Forest Range be made a National Park.
“We urge the government to act swiftly in designating Atewa Forest and Atewa Range as a National Park to create green jobs for millions of Ghanaians through high-end, nature-positive opportunities, and to ensure permanent protection for this vital watershed,” Asumaku said.
“Protecting Atewa’s wetlands is not just an environmental necessity, but also essential for securing clean water, biodiversity, and climate resilience for both present and future generations.”He added
Atewa Forest is a critical watershed that feeds the Birem, Densu, and Ayensu Rivers, which support millions of Ghanaians. However, mining activities are endangering these vital water sources, threatening both biodiversity and human well-being.
The CCAL group commended the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for ordering all miners to evacuate equipment from water bodies by February 28, 2025, and praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its directive to halt mining activities on water bodies nationwide.
However, they stressed the need for effective enforcement, as pollution of the Densu and Ayensu Rivers remains unaddressed.
“We urge the government and relevant agencies to implement and strictly monitor compliance with this directive to restore Ghana’s wetlands and water bodies,” they added.
The 2024 World Wetlands Day theme is “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
