44 or 51? We are losing our forests, that is what the evidence shows.
Accra, September 9, 2026 – A Rocha Ghana has taken note of recent claims that our position on the number of forest reserves affected by illegal mining is inaccurate.
We stand by the evidence that informed our assessment.
A press release published by A Rocha Ghana as a member of the Coalition Against Galamsey – Ghana (CAGG) on March 28, 2026, indicated that “at least 50 forests” are currently facing encroachment linked to illegal mining activities. This figure is based on our research and analysis, and highlights a serious environmental concern that deserves urgent attention.
On September 8, 2026, 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 that the number of forest reserves affected was 44, rather than the over 50 encroached forests reported in our assessment. He indicated that the 44 figure was based on verification he conducted with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR).
We have also taken note of 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 programme and suggested that current incursions into forest reserves are minor and manageable.
We respect the role of government institutions in monitoring and protecting Ghana’s forest reserves, and we acknowledge the work being done in this area. At the same time, where there is a difference in figures, we believe the appropriate response is verification, not accusation.
If the number is 44, 51, or another figure, then let the evidence establish it.
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.
But there is also a bigger issue here.
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.
We do not want the national conversation to become a debate over whose figure is accurate while forest destruction continues.
A Rocha Ghana is preparing for a press conference where we will present the evidence supporting our findings, including the data sources and methodology used in our assessment. We welcome 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.
For further inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Daryl Bosu
020 255 5727
List of Forest Reserve affected by Galamsey
