A Rocha Ghana has pushed back against recent government claims that its assessment of forest reserves affected by illegal mining is inaccurate, insisting that the evidence behind its findings is sound and calling for open, objective verification rather than accusation.
In a press statement released on September 9, 2026, the environmental organization, a member of the Coalition Against Galamsey-Ghana (CAGG), maintained its position that at least 50 forest reserves are currently facing encroachment linked to illegal mining activities, a figure it first published on March 28, 2026. The organisation says the figure is based on its own research and analysis and highlights what it describes as a serious environmental concern that deserves urgent attention.
The dispute arose after Julius Kwame Anthony, spokesperson for the government and Press Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, stated during Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on September 8, 2026, that the number of affected forest reserves was 44, rather than the over 50 reported by A Rocha Ghana. According to the statement, Anthony indicated that the 44 figure was based on verification he conducted with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR).
A Rocha Ghana also noted what it described as an alleged message from Paa Kwesi Schandorf, spokesperson for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the MLNR, which was read during the same programme and suggested that current incursions into forest reserves are minor and manageable.
While acknowledging the role of government institutions in monitoring and protecting Ghana’s forest reserves, A Rocha Ghana stressed that differences in figures should be resolved through verification, not accusations.
“If the number is 44, 51, or another figure, then let the evidence establish it,” the statement read.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accuracy in its reporting, welcoming scrutiny of its data and methodology.
“A Rocha Ghana is committed to transparency and accuracy in its reporting. We therefore welcome scrutiny of our data and methodology and believe that the information behind these figures should be examined openly and objectively,” the statement said.
Beyond the numbers, A Rocha Ghana emphasised the broader environmental stakes, warning that the national conversation should not be reduced to a dispute over figures while forest destruction continues.
“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. Even where an incursion is described as minor or manageable, it represents a risk to forests, biodiversity, water resources and the environmental integrity of these protected areas,” the statement noted.
“We do not want the national conversation to become a debate over whose figure is accurate while forest destruction continues,” it added.
The organisation announced it is preparing for a press conference where it will present the evidence supporting its findings, including the data sources and methodology used in its assessment, and welcomed the opportunity for the figures to be examined, questioned, and verified.
“Our position is straightforward: let the evidence speak, let us establish the facts, and let us act to protect what remains of Ghana’s forests,” A Rocha Ghana stated.
The statement was accompanied by a list of forest reserves referenced in the assessment, including reserves across the Western, Western North, Central, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions.
Among those listed are Tonton, Fure River, Fure Headwaters, Angoben Shelterbelt, Totua Shelterbelt, Nueng South, Neung North, Bonsa River, Ndumfri, Subri River, and Cape Three Points in the Western Region; Krokosua Hills, Sui River, Suhuma, Anhwiaso East, Anhwiaso South, Afao Hills, Upper Wassaw, Tano Anhwia, Tano Nimri, Yoyo River, Boin River, and Boin-Tano in the Western North; Bowiye in the Central Region; Opon Mansi, Jimira/Jimira Ext., Tano Offin, Offin Shelterbelt, Asenanyo, Oda River, Denyau Shelterbelt, Bosomtiw Range, Apamprama, Subin Shelterbelt, Supuma, Jeni River, Tinte Bepo Low Impact, Desiri Low Impact, and Kwamisa in the Ashanti Region; and Birim and Pra-Anum in the Eastern Region.
