The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has inaugurated 10 new forest protection camps and two checkpoint accommodation facilities as part of efforts to intensify the fight against illegal logging and mining activities in the country.

The facilities, which were handed over to the Forestry Commission, were constructed with support from the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership to help address growing threats posed by deforestation and illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Numereso in the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Isaac Essien, described the new infrastructure as a major step toward strengthening frontline forest protection and enforcement operations.

According to the Minister, the establishment of the camps signals a shift in Ghana’s conservation strategy by positioning forest guards closer to vulnerable forest reserves and illegal activity hotspots.

“We cannot fight modern forest crimes from offices in cities or remote ranges,” the Minister stated, describing the camps as a “game-changer” in the protection of Ghana’s forests.

The camps are expected to support round-the-clock monitoring, disrupt illegal timber and mineral supply chains, and strengthen the ability of forest guards to respond swiftly to environmental crimes.

Hon. Buah, who also serves as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, warned that illegal mining, indiscriminate logging, and encroachment for farming activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forests and water bodies.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at protecting the country’s natural resources and expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom for its continued partnership and support.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Hugh C.A. Brown, highlighted significant staffing challenges affecting forest protection operations.

He disclosed that the Commission currently faces a shortage of more than 2,500 Resource Guards, despite ongoing infrastructure improvements, and called for urgent recruitment, specialised equipment acquisition, and better welfare conditions for frontline officers.

Also speaking at the event, Nana Boampim Perko II proposed a temporary closure of Ghana’s forest reserves for four years to allow degraded ecosystems to recover from years of illegal mining, logging, and hunting activities.

According to him, a sustained conservation pause would help restore the country’s rapidly deteriorating forest resources.