ENVIROMENTAL PROBLEMS IN GHANA.

Ghana has one of the strongest economies of sub-Sahara Africa due to its array of natural resources. However, the exploitation of these resources, coupled with the immense lack of awareness has damaged the country’s forest ecosystem.

According to ecologists, Ghana’s primary rain forest has been reduced by 90% in less than fifty years, while in the past fifteen years (1990-2005), the country lost 1.9 million hectares and 26% of its forest cover. This is because subsistence agriculture and cutting of fuel wood is common in throughout due to rapid population growth rate. More so, logging and pursuit of gold have also proved costly to the country’s natural habitats. Forest loss in Ghana has therefore resulted in droughts and bushfires in most parts o the country. In view of this, widespread led the government to step up anti-bushfire campaign, but this had only little effect. Thus, desert is encroaching on some forest lands and soil erosion is also becoming rampant lately, thereby making economic development in Ghana come at a great cost to its forests and the environment. Also, plantation development is degrading the land due to pressure on the natural forest. For instance, in places like the western region to mention but a few, Ghana’s forest is diminishing fast to detriment of climate, biodiversity, and millions of people dependent on forest resources for their well-being.

Furthermore, in Agbogbloshie, a suburb of the capital city, Accra, tons of electronic waste lies smoldering in toxic piles and children make their way through this dangerous environment, desperate to strip a few ounces of copper, aluminum, among others from worn-out electronics. T he stink alone will drive all but the most desperate away, but many are so desperate they persevere despite the obvious dangers. More so, the ever growing demand for the latest fashionable cell phone, flat screen TV and computers creates larger amounts of obsolete electronics that are often toxic chemicals. Rather than being safely recycled, much of this electronic waste gets dumped anywhere. This does not only pollute the environment, but also exposes people to potentially toxic dust and fumes.

According to a water expert presenting at an upcoming United Nation’s University conference on desertification, Africa may be able to feed just 25% of its population by 2025 of soil degradation on the continent continues at its pace.

It is high time government device proper means of managing and recycling waste in the country. For instance, plastic bags can be used to produce bags. Also, citizens should endeavor to plant more trees and avoid destroying the natural forest since livelihood and survival by the larger population is dependent on the forest ecosystem.