Ghana has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the years, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. The latest incident in the Eastern Region of Ghana, where a fire alert was reported on November 25, 2024, underscores the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. Over two decades, the data reveals a net loss of tree cover amounting to 572,797 hectares, which represents a 5.09% decrease from the initial tree cover extent. Notably, urbanization has also contributed to this loss, albeit to a lesser extent than agriculture.
The pattern of tree cover loss in Ghana has been marked by fluctuations, with the highest recorded loss in 2018, at over 151,000 hectares. Shifting agriculture alone was responsible for a staggering 97% of the total tree cover loss in that year. Despite some gains in tree cover, the overall trend points to a disturbing decline, with the loss outpacing the gains. The environmental impact is substantial, as the loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
Explore country profileThe recent fire incident, although isolated, adds to the cumulative impact of tree cover reduction in Ghana. As the country continues to contend with these environmental setbacks, the focus on sustainable land use practices becomes increasingly critical to mitigate further loss and promote recovery of the affected ecosystems.
