Ghana Bans Mining in Forest Reserves
Ghana has prohibited mining in forest reserves, a decision made as part of environmental protection measures aimed at preserving water sources and putting an end to deforestation.
A Major Shift in Environmental Policy
This measure marks a significant turn in Ghana's environmental policy, reinstating forest protections after nearly 90% of the reserves were opened to mining. The logic is clear: healthy forests bring rain, protect farms, and give life to communities. Clean rivers guarantee drinking water and the country's future.
The Impact of Unregulated Mining
As the largest gold producer in Africa, Ghana is facing a surge in unregulated artisanal mining, which is destroying cocoa plantations, degrading forests and rivers, and increasing the risks to the sustainability of its mining sector. Industrial miners are reporting frequent incursions by illegal operators onto their concessions, forcing major players to increase investments in security systems, surveillance drones, and community engagement programs.
Efforts to Reform the Sector
The authorities have undertaken a reform of the sector by granting licenses to artisanal miners, creating community programs, and deploying security forces to suppress illegal mining and gold trading. However, despite these efforts, the situation is alarming: 44 of the country's 288 forest reserves are being actively threatened by illegal mining operations, resulting in the destruction of over 5,000 hectares of wooded land.
A New Challenge for the Government
The government is now faced with the task of demonstrating that this regulatory shift will translate into tangible protection of the forest reserves, which have suffered decades of encroachment pressures. The ban on mining in forest reserves is a crucial step towards preserving Ghana's natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for the country.
