Dr Hugh Brown, CEO of the Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission has begun processes to establish military protection camps in forest reserves identified as hotspots for illegal mining and illegal timber activities.
The initiative targets 44 forest reserves severely affected by illegal mining, including nine classified as “red zones.” Each camp will accommodate up to 12 forestry guards and will be equipped with communication devices, drones, and arms to strengthen surveillance and prevent galamsey operations.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Chief Executive of the Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, said tenders had already been issued for the construction of the camps, with support from donor partners.
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The camps are intended to provide accommodation for military personnel assisting forestry officers to protect the reserves and respond quickly to illegal activities.
Forest guards have long complained about frequent attacks by illegal operators, which have hindered enforcement efforts.
Dr Brown explained that delayed responses to verified intelligence informed the decision to establish the camps.
“Sometimes when we receive information and verify, we are usually unable to act appropriately and effectively on time. Based on that, we decided to construct this camp so that we can have some military patrol in the forest reserves,” he said.
He added that the Commission plans to expand the project nationwide.
“We expect 10 more camps by the end of the year, and by next year, we expect all 34 to be stationed at hotspot areas,” Dr Brown noted.
The Commission is also engaging large-scale timber companies to support the initiative by helping establish camps within their concessions.
“We are talking to private sector players to support the Commission. We also need to put in place measures to get clearance for the staff who will be working there,” Dr Brown said.
Currently, the Forestry Services Division manages Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, with forest guards serving as the first line of defence through routine monitoring. However, Dr Brown described the existing arrangement, where guards live within nearby communities, as counterproductive to efforts to curb illegal mining.
He said positioning personnel closer to the reserves would enable faster detection and response to illegal activities.
