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10 Dec 2024

Ghana Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents
Ghana Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

Ghana has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the past two decades. The latest incident data reveals a fire alert in the Bono East Region, underscoring the ongoing environmental concerns. Ghana's total area spans over 23.80 million hectares, with approximately 6.96 million hectares covered by trees. However, this tree cover has been under threat, with a net change in tree cover showing a loss of 884,921 hectares and a disturbing 5.09% decrease in tree cover stability.

The primary driver of tree cover loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, which alone accounted for a substantial portion of the deforestation, followed by urbanization. The impact of these activities has not only reduced the tree cover but has also led to significant emissions of CO2 equivalent into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change concerns.

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The trend of tree cover loss has been alarming, with the highest recorded loss in 2018 at over 151,000 hectares. Although there has been some gain in tree cover, it has not been sufficient to offset the losses. The environmental implications of these trends are profound, affecting biodiversity, climate, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources.

The recent fire incident, although isolated, adds to the cumulative environmental stress in the region. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and action to protect Ghana's remaining tree cover and prevent further loss.

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