A Rocha Ghana stands by claim of 50-plus forest reserves affected by galamsey

Environmental advocacy organisation A Rocha Ghana has stood by its assessment that more than 50 forest reserves in Ghana are facing encroachment linked to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The organisation's position follows comments by government spokesperson and Press Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Julius Kwame Anthony, that 44 forest reserves had been affected by illegal mining.

Kwame Anthony made the claim on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, September 8, saying the figure was based on verification conducted with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

A Rocha Ghana, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, said its March 28, 2026 assessment, issued as a member of the Coalition Against Galamsey-Ghana (CAGG), identified at least 50 forests facing encroachment linked to illegal mining.

“If the number is 44, 51, or another figure, then let the evidence establish it,” A Rocha Ghana said.

The organisation said it welcomed scrutiny of its data and methodology and would present the evidence supporting its assessment at an upcoming press conference.

A Rocha Ghana's list accompanying its statement identifies 57 forest reserves and forest areas across several regions as being affected by galamsey, including reserves in the Western, Western North, Central, Ashanti, Eastern, Savannah and Upper East regions.

A Rocha Ghana further noted that the conversation should not focus solely on the precise number of affected reserves while illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana's forests.

“Whether 44, 51, or any other figure is ultimately established, the reality remains that Ghana's forest reserves are under serious threat from illegal mining,” it said.