The Bosomoa Forest Reserve in the Bono East Region faces a major environmental threat following the clearing of about 20 acres of forest land to make way for a proposed Nursing and Midwifery Training College.

The reserve, situated between Jema and Ampoma near Kintampo, is one of only three remaining forest reserves in the region and falls under the management of the Kintampo Forest District of the Forestry Services Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission (FC).

Officials have described the clearing as a serious encroachment that poses a danger to the ecological balance of the area.

The Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Francis Owusu Antwi, convened an emergency stakeholder meeting to address the issue. Attendees included:

ACP Boadu, Deputy Bono East Regional Police Commander

Hon. Wilfred Zuuri, Kintampo South District Chief Executive

Supt. Ernest Kodjo Doukonoo, Kintampo South District Police Commander

Mr. Robert Sakyi (Slima), Kintampo South Constituency Chairman

Mr. Maxwell Agyekum Oteng, Manager, Kintampo Forest District

Mr. Owusu Ansah, Deputy Manager, Kintampo Forest District

Mr. David Kwaku Appiagyei, Bono East Regional Manager, Forest Services Division

During the discussions, security officials warned that any attempt by the Forestry Commission to halt the project could trigger resistance from residents of Jema and Ampoma.

This warning followed reports that the Commission’s Rapid Response Team, responsible for safeguarding the reserve, had been deployed to prevent further encroachment.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Appiagyei stressed that the construction of any infrastructure within a gazetted forest reserve is illegal and undermines national conservation laws.

He emphasised that the proper procedure would be to appeal through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Presidency for the reserve’s status to be lawfully revised or degazetted before any development can proceed.

“As it stands, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve remains a protected area, and no individual or group has the right to encroach on it for any purpose,” he cautioned.

Environmental advocates have since called for swift intervention by the government and relevant agencies to safeguard the reserve and prevent further degradation.