As the world celebrates International Day of Forests (March 21), A Rocha Ghana has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of deforestation on Ghana’s ecosystem.
Ghana’s forest cover has been declining at an alarming rate, with an estimated 80% of the country’s forests already lost. The rapid deforestation is attributed to mining, logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanization.
“Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture, but their decline poses significant challenges to food security,” said Daryl Bosu, the Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana in a statement.
“We need to rise up in our communities, workplaces, and homes to take action against environmental destruction, ” he urged.
The Atewa Forest, one of Ghana’s remaining forests, is under threat from mining activities. A Rocha Ghana is calling on the government to designate the forest as a National Park and prohibit mining in protected areas.
“The government must take urgent action to protect Ghana’s forests,” said Bosu. “This includes repealing the law that allows mining in forest reserves and securing existing forests and protecting rivers and watersheds, ” the statement charged.
To this end, A Rocha Ghana called on the government to take a comprehensive approach to addressing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use. This includes encouraging agroforestry practices, where trees are integrated into agricultural systems, and supporting community-led initiatives to protect forests.
Furthermore, A Rocha Ghana urged the government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of protected areas to stop mining, illegal logging, farming, poaching, and other damaging activities.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to protect our forests and ensure a sustainable future for our country,” said Bosu.
The consequences of inaction will be severe, with food insecurity, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity looming large.
“Ghana’s forests are not just a natural resource, but a lifeline for millions of people who depend on them for their livelihoods,” said Bosu. “We must act now to protect them,” the statement said.
A Rocha Ghana is committed to working with communities, civil society organizations, and the government to protect Ghana’s forests and promote sustainable development.
