As reality is settling down on the world as a consequence of global warming, we in Ghana are sitting aloof. Never has the role of trees in our world been so valuable environmentally in history than today. Indeed deforestation is a function of modernity hence, can’t be discouraged out right. The only mind boggling issue would be why a forest reserved by legislation would be left almost to its fate. This arises from the diverse degrees of unscrupulous activities that have the Wa forest reserve as setting. This list of activities I would state upfront grows longer and dieters.
Like many other places, Wa has a forest reserve which is expected to cater for various environmental issues. The essence of the forest is only being looked at by many in a very myopic manner yet the services and functions are monumental. It isn’t any surprise that, the most prolific wells of the urban water company is found. These wells are said to be the main stay of the water reservoir of the company. Our life in this municipality is largely hinged on the forest reserve since, water is life.
Most fascinating would it be to anyone who watches this forest closely if any dry season passed by without it getting burnt up. This has become an annual ritual which must be observed as Ramadan for Muslims. Putting a finger to the cause of fires gutting the forest would be one audios task but no impossibility, if a pedantic look is given to the numerous shades of activities that take Centre stage in this reserve. That said, the entry and exit of people from the forest often goes unmonitored. Movement within this zone which otherwise should have been restricted could be linked to movement in the Wa market. There are clear instances one could comb through the whole forest for seven uninterrupted days without meeting or seeing a forest guard, if they exist at all.
Clearly, our forest has turned into a pseudo landfill site. The tons of waste found in this forest could only be compared to the approved landfill site in Siiriyiri. This challenge has compelled the forestry division to mount several signboards warning culprits but to no avail. The varied form, shapes, sizes and mass of waste being disposed in the reserve presupposes that some are sent to the forest with vehicles. Certainly it would be factually accurate to state that, aside the notices given any stringent measure has been put in place to curb the menace.
It isn’t any secret that, the forest reserve has now become the major place of convenience by many people in the municipal capital. People from various suburbs of town and students of nearby schools take advantage of the laxity in security system, to visit the loo there. On the face of it, they add manure to the soil but the lager issue of pollution should be considered since, people reside close to the reserve.
Despite the fact that, the forest is so visible, many nefarious activities have the forest as their hearth. This place has become a hideout for truant pupils of several schools. These students often engage in various activities panning stealing people’s animals to smoking contraband substances. It is also camp for people who conspire to commit crime, which they sometimes execute as well.
Truth be told, the forest if not salvage is gasping for its final breath. The fore mentioned activity like waste disposal which is often done with fire in it is a major cause of fire outbreaks in the forest. The activities of smokers as well have a lethal impact on the existence of the forest. The annual ritual of the forest being engulfed by fire is but a threat to the forest.
Let us not sink our ship to having a safe environment conducive for human and animal existence. Our environment is our survival and we must protect it. As of today there still exist fire and smoke in parts of the forest reserve. There would be no cogent reason why this should be the case since the forestry division has a wildfire tender and also, has the fire service at its disposal. The forest is an invaluable resource to the people of Wa and hence, must be guarded like a rear gem. The gross ineptitude being displayed by the forestry division should be addressed immediately and forestalled.
Ali Joseph Oswald
Wa
0205827645
[email protected]