
The Minerals Commission has faced scrutiny regarding its role in the giveaway of forest reserves. Allegations have surfaced that officials from the Commission have facilitated illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, within protected forest areas. For instance, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has controversially suggested that mining in forest reserves should be allowed under certain circumstances, such as underground mining². This stance has raised concerns about the Commission's commitment to protecting forest reserves.
Moreover, there have been claims that some officials from the Forestry Commission, who are supposed to safeguard these areas, have been complicit in enabling illegal mining by accepting bribes and allowing miners to operate within forest reserves¹. These allegations suggest a broader issue of regulatory failure and corruption within the institutions responsible for managing Ghana's natural resources.
EXPOSING THE GIVEAWAY OF GHANA'S FOREST RESERVES: A Call for Accountability and Reform
The recent revelations about the giveaway of the Apampramah Forest Reserve and other forest reserves by the Forestry Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Presidency under Akufo-Addo's administration have sparked outrage among Ghanaians. This article delves into the details of these transactions, identifies the government officials and companies involved, and provides recommendations for President John Dramani Mahama's administration to take punitive legal action and prevent future occurrences. Additionally, it addresses Ghana's land tenure system, the involvement of local communities in forest conservation, and the environmental impacts of forest degradation.
Ghana's Land Tenure System
Ghana's land tenure system is complex and multifaceted, comprising three main types of land ownership:
1. Public Lands: Owned by the state, which is responsible for management decisions. About 18% of land in Ghana falls under this category¹.
2. Customary Lands: Owned collectively by tribes, families, or ethnic groups, represented by stools or skins. These lands account for approximately 80% of Ghana's land¹.
3. Vested Lands: A hybrid of state and customary lands, where the state manages the land on behalf of the community. These lands make up about 2% of Ghana's land¹.
The customary land tenure system, while deeply rooted in tradition, faces challenges such as lack of transparency, accountability, and conflicts over land ownership².
INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN FOREST CONSERVATION
Engaging local communities in forest conservation is crucial for sustainable environmental protection. Here are some key strategies:
1. Community Engagement and Ownership: Involving local communities at all stages of conservation projects ensures that their needs and values are considered. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment⁴.
2. Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge: Local communities possess valuable traditional knowledge about land management and conservation. Incorporating this knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts⁴.
3. Collaborative Governance: Establishing collaborative governance frameworks that include local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders can lead to more equitable and sustainable conservation outcomes.
4. Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms: Developing equitable benefit-sharing systems ensures that local communities receive socioeconomic benefits from conservation projects, thereby incentivizing their participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FOREST DEGRADATION
Forest degradation has severe environmental impacts, including:
1. Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation and degradation release stored carbon, contributing to climate change.
2. Biodiversity Loss: Forests are home to a significant portion of the world's biodiversity. Degradation leads to habitat loss and threatens the survival of numerous species.
3. Soil Erosion and Flooding: Trees and vegetation help stabilize soil and regulate water cycles. Deforestation increases the risk of soil erosion and flooding, which can have devastating effects on local communities.
4. Disruption of Water Cycles: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining water cycles. Degradation can lead to altered rainfall patterns and reduced water availability.
THE APAMPRAMAH FOREST RESERVE SCANDAL
The Apampramah Forest Reserve, along with several other forest reserves, was reportedly given away under dubious circumstances. The late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, was implicated in these transactions. Investigations revealed that portions of the Achimota Forest and the Sakumono Ramsar Site were allegedly willed to his relatives.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED
1. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John): Former CEO of the Forestry Commission, implicated in the giveaway of forest reserves.
2. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor: Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who has been involved in addressing the fallout from these transactions.
3. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo: Former President of Ghana, under whose administration these transactions occurred.
BENEFITING COMPANIES
1. Unipower Mining Company Limited: Granted an entry permit to begin a pilot forest restoration project in the Apampramah Forest Reserve¹.
2. Betterland Ghana Limited (BGL): Involved in reclaiming degraded land in the Apampramah Forest Reserve⁴.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRESIDENT MAHAMA'S ADMINISTRATION
1. Conduct Comprehensive Investigations
- Objective: Thoroughly investigate all transactions involving the giveaway of forest reserves.
- Action Steps:
- Establish an independent commission to investigate the roles of government officials and companies involved.
- Publish the findings and hold public hearings to ensure transparency.
2. Implement Legal Reforms
- Objective: Strengthen legal frameworks to prevent the unauthorized giveaway of public lands.
- Action Steps:
- Amend existing laws to include stricter penalties for illegal transactions involving public lands.
- Ensure that all land transactions undergo rigorous scrutiny and approval processes.
3. Enhance Regulatory Oversight
- Objective: Improve oversight of the Forestry Commission and related agencies.
- Action Steps:
- Establish an independent regulatory body to oversee the activities of the Forestry Commission.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with environmental and land use regulations.
4. Promote Public Awareness and Engagement
- Objective: Increase public awareness and involvement in the protection of forest reserves.
- Action Steps:
- Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of forest conservation.
- Create platforms for community participation in decision-making processes related to land use and conservation.
5. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures
- Objective: Combat corruption within government agencies responsible for land and natural resources.
- Action Steps:
- Implement a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and enforce strict penalties for offenders.
- Conduct regular integrity tests and background checks on officials involved in land transactions.
The giveaway of Ghana's forest reserves under the Akufo-Addo administration has highlighted significant lapses in governance and accountability. By taking decisive legal action against those involved and implementing comprehensive reforms, President John Dramani Mahama's administration can restore public trust and ensure the protection of Ghana's natural resources. It is imperative to hold those responsible accountable and to put in place measures that prevent such occurrences in the future.
#Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
References
- ¹: [MyJoyOnline] (https://www.myjoyonline.com/degraded-apamprama-forest-seeing-new-life-in-reclamation-drive/)
- ²: [Forestry Commission] (https://fcghana.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/REJOINDER-Re-Forests-Under-Siege-Apamprama-Forest-Reserve.pdf)
- ⁴: [Business & Financial Times] (https://thebftonline.com/2024/05/23/bgl-reclaims-degraded-land-at-apramprama-forest-reserve/)
- : [Sikaman Times] (https://sikamantimes.com/all-lands-allegedly-willed-to-beneficiaries-of-sir-john-shall-remain-public-lands-lands-minister/)
- : [MyJoyOnline] (https://www.myjoyonline.com/were-investigating-claims-that-late-sir-john-gifted-portions-of-achimota-forest-to-relatives-lands-ministry/)
- : [Forestry.com] (https://forestry.com/environmental-impact/climate-change/environmental-effects-of-forestry/)
- : [Forestry.com] (https://forestry.com/environmental-impact/climate-change/devastating-effects-of-deforestation-on-our-environment/)