Environmental group A Rocha Ghana has raised alarm over what it describes as large-scale land clearing and environmental destruction within the catchment area of Lake Bosomtwe.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the group said heavy earth-moving equipment, including a grader, had been used to clear vegetation around communities such as Abrodwum, destroying mature trees within the lake’s protective buffer zone.

It said in some instances, clearing activities had extended close to the water body, with trees cut directly into the lake.

The group warned that the development poses significant environmental risks, including loss of biodiversity, increased soil erosion as the rainy season approaches, and potential damage to water quality due to sediment runoff.

It also cited threats to fish breeding grounds and livelihoods of surrounding communities that depend on the lake’s ecosystem.

A Rocha Ghana said the purpose of the clearing and the actors involved remain unclear, raising concerns over a lack of consultation and oversight.

Lake Bosumtwe is one of Ghana’s designated Man and Biosphere reserves and supports more than 40 communities through fishing, farming and tourism.

The organisation is calling for an immediate investigation into the activities, a halt to further clearing, and a full environmental and social impact assessment.

It also urged authorities to hold any responsible parties accountable if environmental laws have been breached.

Authorities had not immediately responded to the concerns raised.