Samartex Timber suspends ecotourism project in Wassa Amenfi

Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Limited has halted its multi-million cedi ecotourism project in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality due to the escalating threat of illegal mining. The company, which is a major employer in the region, warned that the activities of illegal miners are not only destroying the environment but also jeopardising the livelihoods of its 2,000-strong workforce. The suspension comes as a direct consequence of unregulated mining operations encroaching upon the company's concessions and vital water sources.

Justice Eshun, Samartex's Head of Forestry, highlighted the severe operational hurdles caused by galamsey, including the destruction of commercially viable tree species necessary for timber production. A primary concern is the state of the Tano River, which has been rendered unsuitable for water treatment due to heavy pollution. To mitigate this, Samartex has been forced to divert resources toward the construction of boreholes to maintain its operations. The company had initially brought in a Brazilian expert to spearhead the ecotourism initiative, but those plans are now on hold until the ecological damage can be addressed.

Despite active efforts to combat the menace, including collaboration with the Forestry Commission's Rapid Response Team, the company faces significant challenges in securing justice. While arrests have been made, Samartex officials expressed concern over the slow pace of legal prosecutions, which fails to deter illegal miners from returning to the sites. The ongoing pollution and land degradation continue to threaten the long-term viability of the timber industry in Wassa Amenfi, leaving the future of the company's community-driven projects in uncertainty.