General News of Wednesday, 25 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Forestry Commission has disclosed that the total area of forest reserves impacted by illegal mining increased by approximately 70% between 2021 and the end of 2024. The update was contained in a technical presentation delivered in February 2026, providing fresh data on the scale of destruction within forest reserves across the country. According to the Commission, a nationwide compilation conducted in 2021 had estimated the total area affected at 5,252.9 hectares across 43 forest reserves and one national park. The adoption of improved technology is expected to facilitate annual quantification of changes in forest reserves and provide more frequent updates to inform policy decisions and enforcement strategies. The latest findings come as the Commission begins processes to establish military protection camps in 44 forest reserves identified as galamsey hotspots, in a renewed effort to curb illegal mining and protect Ghana’s forest resources.

Source: GhanaWeb February 26, 2026 12:10 UTC