A Rocha Ghana, in its campaign to protect the Atewa Forest reserve in the Eastern Region, is holding its first ever Atewa Exhibition at the British Council, Accra.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) specialised in environmental protection in a press release explained, illegal mining has had a great effect on Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies which has called for the need to protect the existing reserves.

“The menace and impact of galamsey [illegal mining] has affirmed the urgent need to secure Ghana’s natural heritage and water sources for our wellbeing today and that of generations unborn,” it stated.

“We need to secure Atewa forest and generate public independent actions to encourage the government to reverse bauxite-mining plans and ensure the long-term sustainability of the forest landscape.”

In July 2018, the government in the mid-year budget review, announced a $2 billion deal with a Chinese engineering firm, Sinohydro Group Limited, to fund infrastructure projects by the government.

Sinohydro Group Limited of China according to the Finance Minister, will provide $2 billion of infrastructure of the government's choice in exchange for Ghana's refined bauxite.

Read more: Gov't on course to close $30bn infrastructure deficit with Sinohydro bauxite deal

However, the bauxite will be mined at the treasured Atewa Forest, which many think tanks and environmental protection groups have protested to due to the rich nature of the forest.

The Atewa Forest is the source of the rivers Ayensu and Densu which join the Atlantic Ocean. The Densu river also feeds the Weija Dam and several water treatment plants.

The Birim river which also takes its source from Atewa, also joins river Pra, all major sources of water for people in Ghana.

The forest also shelters over 100 rare plants and endangered animal species known to man.

Many Civil Society Organisations who have kicked against government’s decision believes mining in the forest reserves poses threat to human and animal lives in the country.

Read more: CSOs revamp campaign against mining in Atewa forest reserve

A Rocha Ghana, under the theme, “Securing Atewa for Prosperity and Wellbeing beyond Today”, aims to generate public interest in prioritising the maintenance of the Atewa Forest.

“There is an urgent need for Ghana to prioritise “green landscape” development strategies and build socio-economic resilient frameworks to sustain its developmental agenda,” the statement read.

The event to educate the general public on protecting the Atewa Forest reserve takes place on Wednesday, January 30 to Saturday, February 2.

The opening ceremony on Wednesday begins at 2 pm. The exhibition which will be opened thereafter from Thursday, January 31 to Saturday, February 2, will begin at 10:00 am-7: 00 pm each day.

The event is free and open to the general public.

Attendance for the event shall include members of the diplomatic missions here in Ghana, government agencies, schools, research agencies, civil society organisations, policy think tanks, community members as well as the general public.