RAIN collaborates with ClientEarth to combat illegal forest use in Ghana

The Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network (RAIN), in partnership with ClientEarth, has been actively addressing the issue of illegal forest use and promoting good forest and land governance in Ghana.

A district stakeholder forum was organized on November 16, 2023, as a follow-up to previous actions and declarations made in the March 2023 meeting.

To this effect, a district stakeholder forum was organized on November 16, 2023, as a follow-up on the actions and declaration made in the previous meeting held in March 2023.

Mrs. Doreen Asumang-Yeboah, the Executive Director for RAIN, outlined their intervention in the district, expressing concern about the extent of illegal activities, especially mining, and challenging stakeholders to collaborate to reverse the damaging effects on the environment and humanity.

Mr. Abraham Essel, the District Manager for Nkawie Forest Service Division, highlighted the crucial role forests play in maintaining soil fertility, providing clean air, protecting water bodies, and serving as habitats for wildlife. He expressed concern about forest degradation caused by greed and illegal mining, encouraging the public to report such activities for immediate action. To combat deforestation, Mr. Essel proposed practical solutions like the Modified Tuangya System (MTS), Green Firebreaks, the Green Ghana policy, and Enrichment Planting.

Mr. Benard Amanoh, the District Cocoa Officer for Atwima Mponua, emphasized the strong connection between cocoa and forests, stating that forest degradation negatively impacts cocoa yields in Ghana. He educated farmers on sustainable farming practices, advising against the use of harmful weedicides that damage soil organisms and reduce soil fertility.

Mr. Bondziedu Simon, the representative for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for Atwima Mponua District, highlighted the causes of fire outbreaks and the best ways to prevent them. He praised RAIN for supporting sensitization efforts, resulting in achieving a target of zero bush fires in 2022.

He called for support from other institutions to provide tools and equipment to enhance the formation of fire volunteer groups within the communities.

Mrs. Sahadatu Ibrahim, the District Development Planning Officer, assured participants of the district administration’s support in addressing illegal logging, lumbering, and indiscriminate mining.

Nana Bosompem Acheampong, representing Nana Amanpene Boateng Twum II, expressed anger at the alarming rate of deforestation and illegal mining, emphasizing that illegal mining is banned on the land. He issued a warning to those involved, urging them to stop or face consequences from the overlord and his kinsmen.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Asumang-Yeboah emphasized that the shared information demonstrates collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, government bodies, and local leaders to combat deforestation and related issues in Atwima Mponua. She highlighted the strenuous efforts to quell an illegal mining operation in Okyerekrom, receiving applause from the gathering.

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