On 17th June 2025, Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC), with funding support from the World Resources Institute’s Global Forest Watch Small Grants Programme, convened a landmark event at the Offinso Municipal Assembly Hall to celebrate two major milestones: the launch of 20 Community Resource Management Committees (CRMCs) and the official close-out of the ATEM-OFD project—Application of Technology to Enhance Monitoring of the Forest in the Offinso Forest District of Ghana.
This event brought together over 190 stakeholders, including administrative and field staff of the Offinso Forest Services Division (FSD), traditional leaders, local authorities, representative from the Private Afforestation Developers Organization, CRMC members, and the media, all united around a common cause: advancing community-led forest governance and enhancing forest protection through modern spatial monitoring technology.
Forging new local Governance structures for forest protection
The highlight of the day was the launch and swearing-in of the 20 CRMCs, drawn from twenty forest-fringe communities including Kyebi, CHED, Brekum, Anhwerekrom, Tetrem, Koforidua, Bosomposo, Kyekyewere, Asempanaye, Alikrom, and others. Each CRMC comprises eight carefully selected members representing traditional authorities, local government structures, women’s groups, youth, Taungya associations, and one non-voting forest resource guard acting as an advisor.
Officiating the swearing-in was Mr. Edward Nyaamah, District Manager of the Offinso Forest District, who charged the new members to “serve not just as monitors, but as champions of community responsibility and stewards of the forests that sustain us.”
The ceremony was chaired by Nana Kofi Aboagye III, Chief of Asempanaye and Semanhyia of the Offinso Traditional Council, who praised the initiative for “restoring dignity and duty to the people who live closest to the forests.”
A project rooted in technology, participation, and sustainability
In his welcome address, Mr. Gustav Adu, Executive Director of KWC, reflected on the vision behind the project:
“This project responded to a simple truth: that real-time monitoring is only powerful when matched with real people on the ground who are empowered to act. Through the use of Global Forest Watch tools and the formation of CRMCs, we’ve connected the dots between satellite and soil, between data and duty.”
Due to competing schedules, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Frank Owusu Amoah, was unable to attend in person. He was ably represented by the Acting Coordinating Director, Mrs. Edith Precious A. Lumorvi, who delivered the DCE’s prepared remarks. She reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting forest protection:
“Forests are central to our municipality’s wellbeing. The establishment of CRMCs creates a bridge between government policy and grassroots action. The Assembly stands ready to work with the Forestry Commission and our communities to sustain this effort.”
Showcasing impact and lessons
A presentation on project outcomes and impact was delivered by Mr. Stanley Boakye-Achampong, member of the project team at KWC. He highlighted the deployment of satellite-based forest alert systems, community training sessions, and successful collaborative engagements with stakeholders including Private Afforestation Developers Organization (PADO) and the Women in Timber Ghana Association (WiTG).
“In one year, we saw community confidence grow, alerts lead to rapid response, and a shared sense of ownership emerge around forest protection,” Stanley noted.
The session on CRMC roles and responsibilities, led by Mrs. Betty Boante-Abeyie, emphasized the committees’ function as early responders, community mobilizers, and critical liaisons between the FSD and their communities. She added:
“These CRMCs are not watchdogs from outside; they are caretakers from within. They will speak the language of their people and of forest policy alike.”
Testimonials
The impact of the project was best expressed by the people at its heart. Abena Konadu, a CRMC member from Nobesu, shared her hopes:
“Before this, I saw fires and machines and felt powerless. Now I know who to report to, and my voice matters. We’re not just observers—we’re defenders.”
Yaw Nketia, a youth rep from Tetrem, added:
“This meeting has opened my eyes. I didn’t know that the forest resource guards can now access forest alerts on our phones. Now, I want to learn more and also teach others.”
Next steps
KWC expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders, especially the Forest Services Division in Offinso, community members, PADO, WiTG, and the World Resources Institute, for their unwavering support.
As Mr. Adu noted in closing:
“The forest doesn’t vote, but it decides the future of those who do. Let us protect it, not just for today, but for tomorrow.”
