An investigation by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has uncovered extensive illegal farming and charcoal production within the Chai River Forest Reserve in the Krachi East and Nkwanta South municipalities of the Oti Region, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation and weak enforcement.
Despite the regular presence of forestry officials, the protected forest has been steadily degraded, with large sections cleared for farming and charcoal burning.
The findings highlight growing pressure on Ghana’s forest resources and the wider implications for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
The year-long investigation revealed that vast areas of the forest have been converted into farms without authorisation.
Using Ghana Post GPS coordinates OS-06248-2925, GNA identified more than 26 farms within pillar 200 near the Tutukpene community in Nkwanta South.
The farms, dominated by yam mounds and cassava fields, showed evidence of long-term cultivation.
Further inspections in Compartment 108 near the Kpelema community (GPS: OE-2923-4276) uncovered active charcoal production sites.
Another site was identified at OE-02356-5786 within the reserve near Kparekpare, confirming the scale of illegal activity.
These developments have contributed significantly to deforestation, land degradation and the loss of biodiversity, undermining efforts to promote sustainable land use and climate-smart agriculture.
Traditional leaders in the affected communities have expressed deep concern over the situation.
Nana Foster Atta Owusu III, Chief of Kparekpare, states that repeated complaints to forestry officials had yielded no results.
He lamented that despite continuous reporting, illegal farming and logging activities have continued unchecked, allowing individuals to exploit the reserve with little consequence.
He has since called on the Forestry Commission, the Oti Regional Minister, and the Municipal Chief Executives of Krachi East and Nkwanta South to intervene urgently to protect the forest.
Some farmers operating within the reserve alleged that a forestry officer, Mr Adjei Akwasi Adomako, permitted them to farm in the area.
They claimed they were instructed to plant trees alongside crops as a condition for access.
Mr Adomako, who has since been transferred to Nkwanta South, denied the allegations.
He explained that he only distributed seedlings to encourage reforestation and prevent bushfires, not to legitimise farming activities.
However, GNA’s findings revealed that several farms have existed in the reserve for over three years, raising concerns about oversight, enforcement gaps, and possible institutional failures.
Concerns over accountability have intensified following the response of forestry authorities. The Oti Regional Forestry Manager, Mr Bernard Tabil, declined to comment on the matter, while the Municipal Chief Executive of Krachi East, Mr Safo Nketia, expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from forestry officials.
Despite efforts to engage relevant authorities, enforcement actions appear limited, allowing illegal activities to persist.
The situation at the Chai River Forest Reserve underscores the growing tension between agricultural expansion and environmental protection.
While farming remains critical for livelihoods and food security, unchecked activities threaten long-term productivity, soil health, and climate resilience.
Source: Access Agric
