The Bosomoa Forest Reserve in the Bono East Region has become the centre of public concern after about 20 acres of the protected area were cleared to make way for a proposed Nursing and Midwifery Training School.
The reserve, located between Jema and Ampoma near Kintampo, is one of only three remaining forest reserves in the region. It is managed by the Kintampo Forest District of the Forestry Commission.
Forestry officials say the clearing amounts to illegal encroachment and poses a serious threat to the ecological health of the forest.
The Bono East Regional Manager of the Forest Services Division, David Kwaku Appiagyei, was called to an emergency meeting convened by the Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, to discuss the situation.
Those present included senior police officers, local government officials, and party representatives.
During the meeting, security officers warned that any move by the Forestry Commission to stop or delay the construction could trigger strong opposition from residents of Jema and Ampoma. The warning was directed particularly at the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Team, which had been tasked with protecting the Bosomoa Forest from encroachment and other illegal activities.
Mr Appiagyei reminded the stakeholders that building within a gazetted forest reserve violates national conservation laws and undermines efforts to protect the environment.
“The right channel is to appeal to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Presidency for approval to release the land,” he explained. “Until that process is completed, the Bosomoa Forest Reserve remains a protected area and cannot be used for any purpose.”
The development has stirred debate over how to balance community needs with environmental protection, as pressure grows for the government to find alternative land for the proposed school.
