The Gyeanima Forest Reserve, located in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region, is under siege as unknown individuals continue to clear portions of the protected land for farming activities.
The reserve, which covers a total land area of approximately 15.54 square kilometres, was officially gazetted in 1931 and is one of nine forest reserves managed under the Offinso Forest District.
In an interview with Channel One News, Nana Boakye Yiadom, Chief of the Wiamoase Traditional Area, expressed deep concern over the unchecked clearing of trees in the reserve for agriculture.
He warned that while national attention remains largely focused on the menace of illegal mining, this quieter yet equally devastating form of environmental degradation is being dangerously overlooked.
He accused the Forestry Commission of enabling the destruction of the forest through its inaction and poor oversight.
“I will blame the Forestry Commission because they are supposed to monitor and ensure the trees are not cut down. Some even collaborate with these settlers who cut down the trees and engage in their farming activities. We do not have a Forestry Commission office here, but there are some in neighbouring towns. Though some of the workers live here, their offices are in the neighbouring towns,” he said.
In a response, Edward Nyamaah, Manager of the Forestry Commission for the Offinso Forestry District, refuted allegations of encroachment, explaining that the Gyeanima Forest Reserve contains about 41 admitted farms, which legally permit farming activities within the reserve.
“We have rarely collaborated with the various communities around the various reserves, and we are doing the various plantations within the forest reserve. So it is not true that the area has been encroached by settlers. Rather, we have engaged the communities using both the indigenes and the settlers, and they are doing the plantation for us,” he said.
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