Once known for its lush greenery and spiritual heritage, Dodowa Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region is now at the center of a growing crisis—rapid encroachment, land degradation, and rising criminal activity. Once a symbol of ecological pride, the forest is now turning into an informal settlement plagued with insecurity and environmental decay.
For decades, Dodowa Forest was protected as a natural reserve, serving as a carbon sink and spiritual landmark. It was home to rich biodiversity and traditional values. However, over the past few years, it has become a target for illegal land grabbing, unregulated development, and unsafe human activity. Encroachers have built homes, shops, and illegal structures deep within the reserve without regard for environmental laws or cultural heritage.
More concerning is the rising crime associated with this uncontrolled development. Reports of robbery, drug abuse, and illicit activities have increased dramatically, with some parts of the forest now described as no-go zones after dark. Residents in nearby communities have raised alarms, calling on local authorities and security agencies to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Environmental activists warn that the forest’s destruction is not just a local issue but a national crisis. The illegal felling of trees, burning of vegetation, and pollution of water sources threaten the already fragile ecosystem. This, in turn, contributes to climate change, loss of animal species, and health risks for people living near the forest.
Authorities, including the Forestry Commission and the Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, have begun mapping efforts and demolitions to reclaim parts of the forest. However, progress has been slow, largely due to political interference, lack of enforcement, and a booming demand for cheap land.
To address the crisis, stakeholders are calling for urgent action:
Stronger law enforcement against illegal encroachers
Community education on the importance of forest conservation
Sustainable housing policies to address urban migration and land pressure
The Dodowa Forest encroachment crisis is a reminder of how fast urbanization, if not checked, can destroy natural treasures. Without collective action, a once-sacred forest may be lost forever—replaced by chaos, crime, and irreversible damage.
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