Ghana has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years. The latest incident report from the Savannah Region on November 19, 2024, indicates a new fire alert, adding to the country's environmental concerns. Ghana's tree cover extent spans approximately 6,955,668 hectares, which is about 29.20% of its total land area. However, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 572,797 hectares, marking a 5.09% decrease from its original extent.
The primary driver of tree cover loss in Ghana has been identified as shifting agriculture, which alone accounted for a substantial portion of the loss over the years. Urbanization, while a smaller contributor, has also played a role in the reduction of tree cover. The loss of tree cover has significant implications for the environment, including the loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to climate change.
Explore country profileThe trend over the past two decades shows fluctuating but generally increasing rates of tree cover loss, reaching a peak in 2018 with over 151,445 hectares lost. The data indicates a pressing need for strategies to mitigate these losses and preserve Ghana's remaining tree cover for future generations.
