Ghana Takes a Stand: Protecting Forests from Mining

Ghana has made a significant decision to stop mining in its forest reserves. This move is aimed at protecting the environment, particularly water sources and forests. The country is renowned for its gold, but small-scale mining has been causing severe environmental damage.

Environmental and Economic Impact

• Destruction of cocoa farms
• Damage to forests and rivers
• Challenges in maintaining sustainable mining practices

Extent of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining is pervasive in Ghana, affecting 13 out of 16 regions. Key cocoa-growing areas such as Ashanti, Western, and Eastern regions are particularly impacted. The government has been working to address these issues through:

• Licensing small miners
• Implementing community programs
• Deploying security to halt illegal mining and gold trading

Policy Shift

In 2022, regulations allowed some mining in forest reserves. However, these rules have now been cancelled. This change strengthens Ghana's laws to protect its forests, water, and farmland.

"Healthy forests bring rain, protect farms, and support communities. Clean rivers are crucial for drinking water and the future."

• Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Acting Environment Minister

Future Focus

This policy shift marks a major change in Ghana's environmental strategy. Previously, almost 90% of forest reserves were open to mining. The new focus is on restoring and protecting these areas.

Daryl Mensah-Bonsu from Da Rocha Ghana, an environmental group, notes that stopping mining alone won't solve all problems. Additional measures are needed to address:

• Logging
• Farming encroachment

A national forest development program is essential to restore and grow forests for future generations.