Environmental advocacy group Eco-Conscious Citizens has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent steps to protect Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and public lands, ahead of World Day of Forests (March 21) and World Water Day (March 22).

In an open letter, the group urged the government to revoke Executive Instrument 144 (EI144), which declassified portions of the Achimota Forest Reserve, and to declare the Atiwa Forest Reserve a National Park. The reserves are critical both for biodiversity and as the source of major rivers supplying water to millions of Ghanaians.

Eco-Conscious Citizens also called on the government to end the practice of gifting public lands to MPs and to ensure that the Lands Commission manages Ghana’s public lands responsibly.

The group highlighted the need to strengthen NAIMOS and the Forestry Commission, providing sufficient personnel, logistics, and protective equipment to tackle illegal mining operations effectively.

The letter stressed the urgent need to protect water bodies from contamination, including through the removal of illegal mining machines such as changfans, and urged coordinated patrols by the Navy and NAIMOS. It also called for accountability among public officials alleged to facilitate illegal mining, including District Chief Executives, with timely public updates on investigations.

Eco-Conscious Citizens highlighted the importance of protecting forests, rivers, and farmland to safeguard Ghana’s agribusiness sector, noting that illegal mining destroys farmers’ livelihoods and undermines agricultural production.

The group further urged the government to discontinue the prosecution of environmental activists, such as the “Atronsu 5”, and to establish fast-track courts for illegal mining cases. They recommended implementing the Polluter Pays Policy, ensuring funds from convicted illegal miners are used for environmental restoration.

The letter concluded by praising communities such as Jema in Western North Region, which have successfully resisted illegal mining, suggesting their strategies be replicated nationally.

Executive Director Awula Serwah emphasised that immediate action on EI144 rests solely with the President, warning that protecting forests, water, and farmland is critical for Ghana’s sustainable development.