US Forestry Service asks Ghana to be watchful about bauxite mining in Atewa forest reserve

The United States Forestry Service (USFS) has reportedly warned the Ghana government to be careful with its plan of bauxite mining in Atewa forest reserve, which is one of largest surviving rainforests in Ghana and considered to be one of the three areas for bauxite mining. The other areas are Nyinahin and Awaso.

The USFS said, “There should be a comprehensive study of the costs and benefits of the plan, and development of a robust list of proven mitigation measures before any development takes place in Kibi.”

After attending several meetings with stakeholders, residents, and traditional leaders within the Atewa enclave, the USFS thinks it is critical for the Ghana government to seriously evaluate other options to mining in the forest.

According to a report by an agency, mining in Atewa may potentially affect flora and fauna of the forest reserve, which is also an important source of water for Ghanaians.

The USFS recommends the government to consult all stakeholders and provide adequate information to the public, in a bid to ensure adequate support for the planned project before considering execution.

“Development of the mining sites and associated downstream and side stream infrastructure will have substantial impacts on local communities, as well as those living in the Greater Accra region. It is critical that a robust stakeholder consultation process be conducted. It is recommended that the GoG pre-emptively provide public access to all information that is not proprietary. Transparency is key to ensure that relevant stakeholder groups are sufficiently apprised of the decision-making process, whatever is ultimately decided, and will also better ensure stakeholder buy-in to any future development,” the US Forest Service noted.

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