The Governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom have officially handed over 10 newly constructed forest protection camps and two operational checkpoint camps to the Ghana Forestry Commission to strengthen efforts against illegal mining (galamsey) and illegal logging.

The facilities were commissioned on Tuesday at Numereso in the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region. The project forms part of the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership launched in December last year.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C.A. Brown, said the new infrastructure represents a major shift in forest protection strategy, moving from isolated patrols to coordinated, on-site security operations within forest reserves.

He said the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, illegal logging, and other environmental crimes more effectively.

Previously, forest guards operated from rented accommodation in fringe communities and were required to patrol large forest areas with limited logistical support.

Under the new arrangement, personnel will be stationed within designated forest reserves to form rapid-response teams capable of responding quickly to illegal activities.

Baseline assessments show that illegal mining and logging activities have degraded thousands of hectares of protected forest reserves across the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Ahafo, and Bono regions.

Authorities say illegal operators have evolved into organised networks using advanced communication tools, heavy machinery, and armed resistance.

The new strategy is expected to position officers closer to vulnerable areas to disrupt illegal supply routes and improve surveillance.

In addition, two tactical checkpoint camps have been established in the Bono East and Savannah regions to monitor the movement of timber and prevent illegal exports.

Dr Brown noted that the stationed officers will be able to respond swiftly to incidents of illegal logging, galamsey, encroachment, and wildfires, thereby reducing environmental damage.

He added that siting the camps within forest reserves will improve operational efficiency.

However, he highlighted challenges, including a shortage of more than 2,500 Resource Guards, and called for urgent recruitment, improved logistics, and better welfare for frontline staff.

A multi-stakeholder Working Group has been set up to develop long-term conservation strategies involving the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, local government authorities, and traditional leaders.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; and the Acting Deputy UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Terri Sarch, among other officials.