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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).