The Forestry Commission has proposed the transformation of its operations into a paramilitary-style environmental protection force to well position the commission in its efforts to safeguard the country’s precious forest reserves.
This strategic initiative comes as the Commission grapples with an escalating threat from well-organized and heavily-armed illegal miners, who continue to endanger the nation’s ecological treasures.
The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, has spearheaded this call for reform, recognizing that the current approach to combating illegal mining activities within forest reserves is no longer sufficient.
“Protecting Ghana’s forests is no longer just an environmental concern. It is now a matter of national security, water security, and generational survival.”
Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, Forestry Commission CEO
Forestry Officers for Effective Enforcement
Dr. Brown’s proposal aims to equip Forestry Commission officers with specialized training, enhanced logistics, and a clear legal mandate to operate alongside national security agencies.
The plan includes the establishment of permanent Forest Protection Camps within the forest reserves, the deployment of drones and satellite surveillance systems, and a review of the Forestry Commission Act (Act 571) to strengthen enforcement powers.
These measures are designed to professionalize and fortify the Commission’s capabilities in the face of the growing threat posed by illegal miners.
Increase in Illegal Mining Activities
According to Dr. Brown’s presentation during the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, the scale of the problem has reached alarming proportions.
As of August 2025, forty-four forest reserves have had incidents of illegal mining activities. While high-risk fortified sites have seen a reduction through decisive, military-backed interventions, medium-risk sites have expanded as illegal operators shift into new territories.
Mr. Brown also lamented that the result of this disaster is the continued destruction of forest cover, pollution of vital rivers such as the Bonsa and Tano Nimiri, and a severe loss of biodiversity all of which threaten Ghana’s climate resilience and the livelihoods of local communities.
The CEO also noted that the scourge of this ‘terrorism’ does not only pose threat to the environment but also to the lives of those who fight it. He thereby acknowledged the efforts of those at the forefront of fighting the illegal mining menace.
“To all the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Forestry Commission who wake up daily to protect our forests and wildlife reserves from all forms of encroachment and illegal activities, especially illegal mining, even at the peril of their lives, I salute you. You are the unsung heroes in this struggle. Your courage in the face of danger and your selfless service seldom receive the recognition and praise you truly deserve. I salute you. May the good Lord continue to protect and keep you from harm’s way.”
Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, Forestry Commission CEO
Commission’s Efforts and Challenges
The Forestry Commission has been at the forefront of the battle against illegal mining, conducting joint operations with security agencies.
Between 2023 and 2025, these efforts led to the arrest of 1,190 offenders and the seizure of 190 excavators and other heavy machinery. However, the Commission has faced a significant challenge in securing convictions, with only thirty-five successful prosecutions during this period.
“This underscores the urgent need for stronger institutional authority and judicial reform,” Dr. Brown emphasized, highlighting the necessity of empowering the Forestry Commission to effectively combat the well-organized and heavily-armed illegal miners.
The Forestry Commission’s call for a paramilitary-style transformation underscores the gravity of the situation and the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s precious forest resources.
By professionalizing its enforcement capabilities and strengthening its legal mandate, the Commission aims to turn the tide against the relentless onslaught of illegal mining activities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nation’s ecological wealth.
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