A Rocha, a renowned conservation organization, has urged the immediate removal of Ghana’s government as Co-Chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP). This demand stems from Ghana’s alleged failure to protect its forests, despite being appointed Co-Chair alongside the US government at COP27.
In early 2023, Ghana’s Parliament questioned the state of the country’s forests. The government responded, asserting the ecological integrity of Forest Reserves remained intact. However, civil society quickly disputed this claim.
In a letter to the US Embassy dated October 9, A Rocha emphasized: “We want to put on record our conviction that the Ghana government is no longer fit to Co-Chair the FCLP and should be removed from this position with immediate effect.”
A Rocha Ghana detected multiple gold mining leases granted in Forest Reserves and Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs). This revelation contradicts the government’s claims of intact forest reserves. Notably, between 1992 and 2016, only five companies were granted leases in Forest Reserves, making the recent surge in leases suspicious.
A Rocha cites three primary concerns: False claims about forest integrity undermine trust in government assertions. Unprecedented mining leases in Forest Reserves and GSBAs, despite previous restrictions, threaten biodiversity. Lack of transparency and accountability in forest management practices hinders effective conservation.
Ghana’s forest governance framework includes the National Land Policy (1999), Forest and Wildlife Policy (2012) and Minerals and Mining Policy (2016). Despite initiatives like the National Forest Programme Facility, Voluntary Partnership Agreement and Forest Investment Programme, A Rocha’s concerns persist.
A Rocha’s call for immediate action underscores the urgency of addressing Ghana’s forest management issues and ensuring the country’s commitment to sustainable forest management.
Read the full statement below: