VIDEO: Ghana’s Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area under threat from illegal mining-Arthur

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has warned that illegal mining activities in the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve are threatening the ecological integrity of the Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Speaking at the Ministry’s Mid-Year Media Engagement in Accra on Wednesday, July 22, the Minister said streams originating from the forest reserve flow directly into the sea, raising concerns that pollution from illegal mining could undermine marine conservation efforts.

She disclosed that after the issue first came to the attention of the Ministry, it engaged the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, prompting the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat(NAIMOS) to dismantle an illegal mining operation in the area. However, the miners have since returned, allegedly operating at night.

Arthur said fresh action has been taken following renewed reports of illegal mining but stressed that periodic enforcement is not enough.

“We cannot continue to have knee-jerk reactions. We need a permanent solution,” she said.

The Minister revealed that the Ministry, together with local conservation organisations, is proposing that the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve be converted into a national park with a permanent presence of Wildlife Division and Forest Services Division personnel to prevent further illegal mining.

She warned that unless the illegal mining is permanently stopped, efforts to protect the Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area would be compromised.

About Cape Three Point  MPA

The Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of Ghana’s designated marine conservation areas, established to protect the country’s rich marine biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources.

Located off Cape Three Points in the Western Region—Ghana’s southernmost point—the MPA covers coastal waters that support important fish species, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, coral communities, and other marine life. It also provides livelihoods for fishing communities through sustainable fisheries management.

The MPA is part of Ghana’s efforts to implement the National Blue Economy Strategy and meet international commitments to conserve marine ecosystems.

The Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area was officially launched in 2025 as Ghana’s first marine protected area, covering approximately 700 square kilometres of coastal and offshore waters in the Western Region. It was established to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable fisheries and the blue economy.