Ghana has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the Oti Region on December 5, 2024. The country, which spans over 23.80 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 6.96 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost. Urbanization, while contributing to the loss, is a far less significant factor.
The net change in tree cover over the years has been negative, with a net loss of around 572,797 hectares, representing a 5.09% decrease from the stable tree cover. This loss has not only reduced the tree cover but has also resulted in substantial CO2 emissions, further exacerbating the impact on the climate and environment.
Explore country profileThe trend shows that the highest tree cover loss occurred in 2018, with over 151,000 hectares lost, while the lowest was in 2004, with approximately 17,625 hectares lost. The recent fire incident, though isolated, adds to the ongoing challenge Ghana faces in managing its natural resources and mitigating environmental degradation.
