An environmental organisation has called for the immediate suspension and investigation of alleged destructive activities within the core zone of Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region.
In a press statement issued on April 14, 2026, A Rocha Ghana said it had received reports from residents of Abrodwum and surrounding communities about large-scale land clearing along the lake’s shoreline.
The group noted that similar activities have been observed in nearby communities, including Adwafo and Abaase, with fears that the destruction could extend to Abono. It added that the individuals or entities behind the activities are yet to be identified.
A Rocha Ghana described the development as deeply concerning, warning that the affected area includes critical sections of the lake’s protected core zone, which is considered ecologically sensitive.
The organisation also highlighted the cultural significance of the Abrodwum area, which is home to the revered Abrodwum Stone—regarded as a spiritual centre of the lake and an important site in Asante traditions.
Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana’s only natural lake and one of the world’s few meteoritic lakes, formed more than one million years ago. It was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme reserve in 2016 due to its ecological and cultural importance.
According to the statement, the lake supports the livelihoods of over 70,000 people across about 30 communities through fishing, farming, and tourism, while also serving as a key site for environmental research and education.
The group warned that destruction within the core zone could have irreversible consequences for biodiversity and the overall ecosystem. It further cited recent studies indicating shoreline recession and declining fish stocks, alongside the impact of illegal mining activities in surrounding areas.
A Rocha Ghana is therefore calling for the immediate halt of all destructive activities in affected communities, a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations governing the lake.
“The preservation of Lake Bosomtwe is not optional. It is essential,” the statement stressed.
The organisation urged authorities to act swiftly to protect the lake, describing it as a vital national asset with ecological, cultural, and economic significance.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
