Ghana Grapples with Deforestation: A Growing Concern for Ecosystems

Ghana Grapples with Deforestation: A Growing Concern for Ecosystems

Ghana's forests are facing a significant challenge, with recent data revealing a concerning trend in tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of 572,797 hectares, which represents a 5.09% decrease in tree cover. This loss is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of the deforestation, followed by urbanization.

The impact on the country's carbon footprint is substantial, with millions of metric tons of CO2 emissions associated with this deforestation. The latest incident in the Upper West Region of Ghana, where a fire alert was recorded, underscores the ongoing threats to the country's forests.