The Bosomoa Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Bono East Region is facing a serious environmental threat after approximately 20 acres of protected land were cleared to make way for a proposed Nursing and Midwifery Training School.
Situated between the Jema and Ampoma communities near Kintampo, the Bosomoa Reserve is one of only three remaining forest reserves in the region and is managed by the Kintampo Forest District of the Forestry Commission (FC). Forestry officials have condemned the development, describing it as a major encroachment that endangers the ecological stability of the reserve.
An emergency stakeholder meeting was convened by the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, to address the issue. Attendees included the Bono East Regional Police Command, the Kintampo South District Assembly, and officials from the Forest Services Division.
During the meeting, security officers cautioned that attempts by the Forestry Commission to halt or delay the project could trigger strong opposition from the Jema and Ampoma communities, who are reportedly backing the proposed health college.
The Bono East Regional Manager of the Forest Services Division, Mr. David Kwaku Appiagyei, emphasized that constructing infrastructure within a gazetted forest reserve is a breach of national conservation laws. He stressed that any alteration of the reserve’s status must follow legal channels through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Presidency.
“As it stands, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve remains gazetted and protected. Any encroachment for development purposes is unlawful,” Mr. Appiagyei stated.
Forestry authorities have warned that the move not only threatens biodiversity but also sets a dangerous precedent for further encroachment on Ghana’s already dwindling forest reserves.