Ghana has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. The country, which spans over 23.80 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 6.96 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a 5.09% decrease, equating to a net loss of around 572,797 hectares. This loss of tree cover has been accompanied by substantial CO2 emissions.
The latest incident in the Savannah Region of Ghana, where a fire alert was reported on December 9, 2024, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges. The region, known for its delicate ecosystem, is now facing the consequences of this single fire event, reflecting the broader issue of environmental degradation in the country.
Explore country profileOver the years, urbanization has also contributed to the loss, albeit to a lesser extent than agriculture. The data does not account for tree cover loss due to unknown drivers or wildfires, which could indicate that the actual figures might be higher. The trend shows a pressing need for sustainable land management practices to curb the loss and protect Ghana's remaining tree cover for future generations.
