The Omanhene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area in the Eastern region, Oseadieyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, has issued a clarion call for decisive national action to halt the rampant destruction of Ghana’s forests and the pollution of its water bodies.

Speaking on the menace, the revered traditional ruler warned that Ghana’s future hangs in the balance if urgent steps are not taken to preserve its land and natural resources.

Lamenting the adverse impact of unchecked foreign involvement in the exploitation of Ghana’s natural wealth, Oseadieyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV noted that the degradation of forest reserves and arable land has reached crisis levels.

He urged Ghanaians to rise in unity to defend the nation's environmental integrity, adding that the preservation of forest resources is critical to the country’s long-term development and the well-being of future generations.

The destruction of forests and water bodies in some parts of the country is linked to irregular and illegal gold mining, commonly known as galamsey in the country.