The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced today that authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, have successfully reclaimed nine “red zones” previously occupied by armed groups.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Minister revealed that while “we are not completely out of the woods yet,” significant progress has been made.
He identified some of the major challenges confronting the forestry subsector as deforestation and forest degradation, largely due to illegal mining, illegal logging, wildfires, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
The Minister highlighted the scale of the problem, stating that within forest reserves alone, 500 hectares – an area equivalent to 7,500 football fields – have been degraded.
“But in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the Forestry Commission has successfully repossessed all nine red zone reserves previously occupied by [illegal] armed guards,” he stated.
He clarified the progress by adding, “It doesn’t mean we are completely out of the woods, but it means that the Forestry Commission Guards are able to enter in and out of our forests.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
