Hɛn Mpoano warns illegal mining threatens Cape Three Points forest

Conservation organization Hɛn Mpoano has raised an alarm over the escalating destruction of the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve caused by illegal mining activities. The group warns that the encroachment into this biodiversity hotspot not only endangers land-based species but also poses a direct threat to the health of Ghana's first Marine Protected Area (MPA). According to the experts, the integrity of the forest is vital for the survival of the coastal ecosystem, as the two environments are intrinsically linked.

Stephen Kankam, the Deputy Director of Hɛn Mpoano, emphasized that the health of marine resources depends heavily on the preservation of the forested rivers that feed into the sea. These rivers carry essential nutrients and maintain the habitats necessary for various marine life forms. To combat the degradation, Kankam is advocating for a shift in management strategy, proposing that the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve be converted into a national park. This redesignation would allow authorities to manage the forest and marine ecosystems as a single, unified ecological unit.

Beyond environmental concerns, local communities have expressed significant anxiety regarding the impacts of illegal mining on their livelihoods and the lack of basic infrastructure in the area. In response, conservationists are calling for the establishment of permanent protection camps and the implementation of livelihood programs to support residents. A comprehensive management plan for the Marine Protected Area is currently under development, with official implementation expected by January 2027 to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's natural resources.