The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that all nine red-zoned forest reserves previously under the control of armed gangs protecting illegal miners have been successfully reclaimed.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the minister highlighted the achievement as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining and forest degradation.
“Within Forest Reserves alone, over 5,500 hectares (equivalent to 7,500 football fields) have been degraded,” Hon. Buah stated. “I am happy to announce that, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the Forestry Commission has successfully repossessed all nine (9) red-zoned forest reserves previously occupied by armed gangs protecting illegal miners.”
He also disclosed that 279 trucks transporting illegal lumber were intercepted and fined, with the confiscated wood auctioned as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal logging.
As part of government’s strategy to promote legal timber trade, the minister announced Ghana’s readiness to issue Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences to accompany wood exports to the European Union (EU). He said Ghana is at the final stage of the process, pending parliamentary ratification of Timber Utilisation Contracts.
“The effective date for the FLEGT license is 8th October 2025,” he noted.
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting forest reserves, promoting sustainable forestry, and restoring degraded lands as part of its broader environmental and economic development agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
