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

Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) is demanding that the government take proactive measures to halt operations of armed gangs in the country’s forest reserves.

The group observed with concern a disturbing trend of heavily armed groups besieging the country’s forest reserves for illegal gold mining or timber extraction.

The use of sophisticated arms by the gangs and their readiness to kill or harm people attempting to halt their works, the group says, is threatening the lives of Forestry Commission staff mandated to manage these reserves.

In a statement, the group alluded to recent incidents in the Offin Shelterbelt and revelation by the Lands Minister that the forest guards and rapid response team are unable to confront these thugs who have laid siege in 44 forest reserves.

“On 23 March 2025, we were alarmed by a Joy Online news article on a member of the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team who was left battling for his life after being attacked by armed illegal miners in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region,” the statement read.

The group alleges some of these illegal miners are cahoots with dangerous foreign mercenaries to keep control over their areas of operation.

The foresters are therefore condemning the rampant attacks as they call on the government to intervene immediately to thwart the situation from degenerating to potentially threatening national security.

“It is totally unacceptable and should not continue. Rival gangs have started killing and injuring each other in their bid to control resources. If we sit and watch as a nation, we should not be surprised when gangs begin controlling villages and towns. The security implications will be dire,” the statement read.

It continued: “We call on the Government to, as a matter of urgency, employ the full power of the State to stop the worrying development before it becomes too late. The professional forester should not have to fear for his/her life in the discharge of his/her legal duties.

“The State should not watch on as armed gangs test their ability to claim portions of our lands and forests for their illegal activities”.

Meanwhile, the group has joined calls for a repeal of L.1 2462 promised by the NDC government during their campaign in the 2024 elections.

They want the government to replace the existing mining laws with new ones that would protect the environment.

“Revocation of L.I. 2462 was an important campaign promise by the current government that Ghanaians expect the government to fulfil. Replacement of L.I. 2462 with a new Law on mining in forest reserves to be initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources,” the statement concluded.