– A Rocha Ghana
A Rocha Ghana, an environmental conservation group, has expressed concerns over Ghana’s suitability to continue serving as Co-Chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP).
The organization criticizes the government’s poor handling of illegal mining, or galamsey, which is rapidly depleting forest reserves and undermining the country’s leadership on environmental sustainability and climate action.
In a statement addressed to the U.S. Embassy, A Rocha Ghana emphasized that Ghana’s inability to control galamsey is damaging the nation’s environmental credibility. The group argued that the government’s failure to combat illegal mining is incompatible with the leadership role expected of a country that co-chairs a global climate and forest conservation initiative.
According to A Rocha, recent legislation has exacerbated the crisis. The group claims that the “Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations L.I. 2462,” passed in November 2022, has made it easier for mining companies to access concessions within forest reserves and Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs). Unlike previous guidelines that capped mining activities to 2% of production areas in forest reserves, the new regulation imposes no restrictions on the scale of mining operations. This policy change has reportedly resulted in a surge of mining leases that threaten Ghana’s most critical ecosystems.
The environmental group further stressed that Ghana’s actions contradict the principles of the FCLP. “A government that passes laws enabling mining in forest reserves cannot lead global efforts on climate action,” A Rocha stated. With Ghana’s term as co-chair set to end in November, the organization is calling for the country’s immediate removal from the leadership role.
A Rocha’s statement highlights the extensive damage caused by illegal mining, including deforestation, river pollution, loss of biodiversity, and harm to communities that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods.
The group argues that these environmental challenges not only undermine Ghana’s ability to meet climate targets but also erode public trust and international confidence in the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
The organization urged the government to intensify efforts to combat galamsey, restore damaged forests, and enforce environmental regulations. It called for corrupt officials and illegal miners to be held accountable and recommended transparent governance reforms to restore environmental stewardship.
A Rocha’s campaign aims to raise international awareness about Ghana’s environmental struggles, hoping that global partners will pressure the government to act more decisively. The group argues that without significant change, Ghana’s reputation as a leader in forest conservation and climate action will be severely compromised.
If Ghana intends to maintain its leadership role, A Rocha insists the government must prioritize environmental sustainability over short-term economic interests by curbing galamsey and safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
