Go Away; Our Forest Is Not for Mining — Gwira Youth Tell Betterland Ghana & Collaborators

Residents of Gwira Banso in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region have declared that mining firm Betterland Ghana Limited is not welcome in the area, warning that the youth will do everything within their power to stop the company from mining in the ecologically sensitive Draw River Forest Reserve.

According to the youth, vast tracts of farmland used for cocoa cultivation, oil palm plantations, rubber production and vegetable farming have already been destroyed by mining activities in the search for gold, with little or no benefit accruing to the local communities.

They insist, they will protect the remaining forest from destruction, particularly as communities around the reserve are already experiencing flooding.

The communities, led by the Youth of Gwiraland Association, said they are appalled by the decision to permit mining activities near the reserve and criticised what they described as the silence of some political leaders and government actors on the matter.

They warned Betterland Ghana to stay away from the forest.

They argued that the Draw River Forest Reserve remains the last major vegetation cover protecting communities in the Gwira area and cautioned that any mining activity within the reserve could expose residents to further environmental disasters, especially flooding.

“We are saying no to Betterland because of the flooding situation. All our cocoa farms, palm plantations and vegetable farms have been destroyed by mining. Why should the government allow mining in the forest? We feel disappointed and betrayed. Even if the government insists on allowing them to mine, we deserve to know why and what benefits the community stands to gain,” one youth leader, Kojo, told this newspaper.

According to the youth, existing mining operations in the area have failed to benefit the community.

They cited Gadritor Mining Company, owned by businessman Victor Gadritor, as an example, arguing that despite years of operation, the company has brought little positive impact to the youth and the wider community.

Regarding Betterland Ghana, residents alleged that former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Eric Essien, facilitated the company’s entry into the area in 2023.

They maintained that the forest reserve, which they said was bequeathed to them by their ancestors, must not be sacrificed for mining.

“That forest was handed down to us by our grandparents. We, the youth, will not allow any company to mine there. They should go away,” one resident declared.

The residents also accused the current MCE, Herbert Kuah Dickson, and some traditional leaders of supporting the mining company without adequately considering the environmental implications.

However, at a town hall engagement with residents of Gwira Banso on June 23, Betterland Ghana’s External Affairs Director, Isaac Osei, defended the company’s position, insisting that mining activities would not cover the entire forest reserve.

“We have no plans to mine the entire Gwira Banso forest. When operations fully commence, we will prioritise employing a significant percentage of our workforce from Gwiraman,” he stated.

His comments, however, have angered many residents, who argue that both legal and illegal mining activities continue to destroy large portions of the area’s forests, threatening livelihoods, biodiversity and future generations.

“We respectfully request urgent intervention from the Government of Ghana to protect the environment, restore our water bodies, ensure accountability and secure the future of Gwira lands for generations to come,” another resident appealed.

10-Year Lease

The Draw River Forest Reserve, renowned for its biodiversity, century-old trees and diverse wildlife, has been leased to Betterland Ghana Limited for large-scale gold mining operations for a period of 10 years under an agreement executed by former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

The decision has reignited concerns about Ghana’s commitment to protecting its forest reserves amid growing threats from both illegal and large-scale mining operations.

Residents say they are baffled that the agreement remains in force under the current administration despite persistent opposition from some chiefs, elders and youth groups.

They argue that the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources headed by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has failed to act on repeated calls to revoke the concession and prevent mining activities within or around the reserve.

They also questioned the government’s environmental policy direction, particularly following the widely publicised revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and assurances that forest reserves would be protected from mining.

Documents sighted by The Archives indicate that the concession was granted to Betterland Ghana Limited in May 2023 during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The agreement was executed by then Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and signed on behalf of Betterland Ghana Limited by its Managing Director, Isaac Osei.

The lease is scheduled to run from May 10, 2023, to May 9, 2033.

According to the company’s approved site plan, the concession covers approximately 62.12 square kilometres, representing about 295 blocks.

While company representatives maintain that the concession lies on the periphery of the reserve rather than within its core area, environmental activists strongly dispute that assertion.

They argue that allocating more than 62 square kilometres of land linked to a reserve measuring approximately 235 square kilometres cannot reasonably be described as peripheral.

Betrayal of Trust?

Residents say strong opposition to the concession prompted Gwira elders to challenge the matter in court in 2024, effectively halting the project after the general election.

However, they claim the company has since returned to the area, erected signposts and begun preparations for full-scale operations, raising questions about what may have changed to allow the project to proceed.

“This community fought relentlessly to protect the Draw River Forest Reserve from mining. We therefore find it difficult to understand why the concerns of local people appear to have been ignored,” a community member told The Archives.

Another resident questioned the government’s position, asking: “Why revoke L.I. 2462 and publicly oppose mining in forest reserves only for this reserve to be handed over for mining?”

Environmental advocate and Convener of the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group, Elizabeth Vaah, one of the leading voices opposing the project, warned that mining activities in the reserve could have devastating ecological consequences.

“Betterland Ghana must not mine the Draw River Forest Reserve. We should do better than this. Enough is enough. The reserve covers about 235 square kilometres. You cannot allocate 62.1 square kilometres and describe it as the periphery. The people of Gwira fought to keep Draw safe. They must not be betrayed,” she stated.

With tensions rising, residents say they are preparing demonstrations and petitions aimed at compelling government authorities to reverse the decision.

For many environmental advocates, the controversy surrounding the Draw River Forest Reserve has become a critical test of the administration of John Dramani Mahama and its commitment to protecting the country’s remaining forests.

They argue that allowing mining activities in or around protected forest reserves undermines national efforts to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and safeguard vital water bodies for future generations.