Forestry officials accused of ignoring destruction in Chai River Forest Reserve
An investigation by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has exposed widespread illegal farming and charcoal production within the Chai River Forest Reserve in the Krachi East and Nkwanta South municipalities of the Oti Region, amid allegations that forestry officials have turned a blind eye to the destruction.
Although forestry personnel are routinely present in the area, the reserve is experiencing escalating environmental degradation, characterised by deforestation and severe land deterioration.
The year-long probe found that vast portions of the protected forest have been cleared for agricultural activities without authorisation. Trees have reportedly been felled and burned without replanting, resulting in extensive ecological harm.
Using Ghana Post GPS number OS-06248-2925, GNA identified more than 26 separate farms around pillar 200 near the Tutukpene community in Nkwanta South. These farms, marked by yam mounds and cassava from both previous and current farming seasons, have significantly contributed to the loss of forest cover.
In Compartment 108 near the Kpelema community (GPS: OE-2923-4276), the investigation also uncovered active charcoal production sites. Another charcoal-burning location was observed within the reserve near the Kparekpare community at GPS point OE-02356-5786.
Additional findings revealed numerous yam mounds scattered across the forest, highlighting how individuals have taken advantage of weak enforcement by forestry authorities.
Traditional authorities alarmed
Nana Foster Atta Owusu III, Chief of Kparekpare, voiced strong concern over the persistent illegal farming and logging activities within the reserve.
In an exclusive interview, he indicated that repeated complaints lodged with forestry officials had not resulted in any action.
“As traditional authorities, we are deeply pained watching the destruction of this reserve. Despite numerous reports, officials have ignored and neglected the situation, allowing people to invade and exploit the forest,” he lamented.
Consequently, Nana Owusu III has appealed to the government, the Forestry Commission, the Oti Regional Minister, and the Municipal Chief Executives of Nkwanta South and Krachi East to intervene urgently to safeguard the Chai River Forest Reserve.
Allegations against forestry officer
Farmers operating inside the reserve have also allegedly named a forestry officer, Mr Adjei Akwasi Adomako, as being linked to activities that have contributed to the degradation.
According to the farmers, Mr Adomako granted them permission to farm portions of the reserve, on the condition that they planted trees alongside their crops.
Mr Kakrah Fio, a resident of Kparekpare, supported these claims, stating that the officer allowed farming but insisted that tree planting should accompany the activities.
When contacted, Mr Adomako—who has since been transferred to Nkwanta South—denied authorising illegal farming. He explained that he had distributed seedlings to some farmers and instructed them to nurture the trees as a way of preventing bushfires and restoring degraded sections of the forest.
However, the GNA investigation found that several of the farms within the reserve have existed for between three and four years, raising concerns about how such activities were allowed to persist in a protected area.
Further observations showed that only limited sections of the reserve had densely planted trees, pointing to poor compliance and weak enforcement.
Accountability concerns
The revelations have renewed questions about oversight and accountability in the management of the Chai River Forest Reserve.
Mr Bernard Tabil, Oti Regional Forestry Manager, declined to respond to questions regarding the extensive deforestation. When contacted on Sunday, December 21, he questioned whether journalists work on weekends and later failed to respond to follow-up calls that had been agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Mr Safo Nketia, Municipal Chief Executive of Krachi East, expressed dissatisfaction with the continued destruction of the forest despite his interventions.
After being approached by GNA, he invited the Municipal Forest Manager to engage with the investigation and provide clarity on the matter, but his advice and efforts were reportedly disregarded.
Source: GNA
