Illegal Mining: A Rocha Ghana Deputy Director Advocates for Valuation of Forest Reserves
The Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has emphasized the need for Ghana to prioritize its forest resources as much as its mineral wealth, advocating for a comprehensive valuation of its forest reserves.
Speaking during a panel discussion on GTV on the topic, “Environmental Mining and Climate Change,” Mr. Bosu highlighted the economic and environmental consequences of mining in forest reserves and called for a shift in national priorities.
Forest Valuation Lacking
According to Mr. Bosu, Ghana’s failure to assign economic value to forest resources and their associated ecosystem services has skewed development policies in favor of mining.
“What we need to do as a country is actually value our forest resources, just as we value our mineral resources. We really don’t have an idea of the economic benefits of every patch of forest we have in this country,” he said.
He pointed out that forests provide vital services, including water purification, pollination for agriculture, and climate moderation, but these benefits are often overlooked in policy discussions.
Mr. Bosu advocated for a cost-benefit trade-off analysis that considers the long-term value of forests compared to the short-term gains from mining.
“Until we do that, we can’t always come to a conclusion that mining will benefit Ghana more than preserving forests,” he stated.
Criticism of Mining Expansion
Expressing opposition to the government’s ambition to make Ghana a mining hub, Mr. Bosu questioned the feasibility and sustainability of such a strategy given the country’s limited land resources.
He highlighted the interconnectedness of forests, water sources, and livelihoods, noting that mining often disrupts ecosystems critical to millions of Ghanaians.
“There is nothing like sustainable mining,” he asserted. “Mining in forest reserves will not turn the economy around. We’ve mined gold for over 100 years and remain Africa’s leading producer of gold, yet we ended up a highly indebted poor country.”
Call for Sustainable Land Use
Mr. Bosu also underscored the urgent need for land-use planning to balance environmental conservation, food security, and economic development.
He lamented the absence of designated areas for farming and mining, warning that unregulated mining activities threaten food security by encroaching on farmlands and cocoa plantations.
Climate Change Concerns
The A Rocha Ghana Deputy Director further linked mining activities to worsening climate change effects, arguing that preserving forests is critical for meeting climate targets.
“Every tree we cut complicates the current situation for us as a country,” he stressed, urging policymakers to prioritize environmental sustainability over short-term economic gains.
Mr. Bosu concluded by urging Ghanaians to hold leaders accountable for environmental stewardship, especially as elections approach.
“Look at your environment. Look at the risks you’re exposed to in terms of water sources and essential services. Vote based on who can be trusted to deliver sustainable outcomes,” he advised.
