Thematic Chair of Environment and Sustainability at the Frimpong-Manso Institute, Dr. George Manful, has emphasized the urgent need for action to save the environment.
According to him, humanity is waging war on nature, which is senseless and suicidal. He stressed the need for absolute commitment to addressing critical environmental issues including restoring the land for a sustainable future.
Dr. Manful made the call in a statement to celebrate this year’s World Environment Day (WED) on 5th June.
This year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Future,” highlighted the pressing need for land restoration and combatting desertification, underscoring the nation’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
Ghana has actively participated in World Environment Day for nearly five decades, aligning with global efforts to tackle environmental challenges. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana, which also marks its 50th anniversary this year, has been at the forefront of these initiatives.
Ghana’s natural ecosystems, including forests, rivers, wetlands, and the sea, are under severe threat due to anthropogenic pressures.
Agricultural expansion to meet the growing demand for crops such as cocoa, rubber, and cashews has significantly contributed to deforestation. Illegal logging, particularly for commercial purposes, exacerbates this issue, with the deforestation rate estimated at 2% per annum.
Desertification in Ghana is becoming an increasingly significant economic, social, and environmental challenge.
The loss of soil fertility, biodiversity, and vegetation cover reduces the water table, making land unsuitable for agriculture and other economic activities. This phenomenon disproportionately affects poor subsistence farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
To combat these challenges, the Frimpong-Manso Institute calls for enhanced sustainable agricultural practices and the adoption of alternative energy sources.
“We need to minimize the demand for fuelwood by discouraging traditional cooking stoves and promoting improved cookstoves, LPG, biogas, and solar energy,” Dr. Manful suggested.
Dr. Manful urged the government to intensify efforts to implement policies aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting land restoration. These include the National Forest Plantation Strategy (2016-2040), climate-smart agriculture technologies, and formalizing small-scale mining practices.
“We must double our efforts to improve sustainable land and water management practices. Local communities should be involved in adopting low-technology agroforestry practices to rehabilitate degraded lands, Dr. Manful said.
The statement emphasised the importance of social inclusivity in land restoration efforts. Establishing inclusive local land governance structures and involving women and youth in ecosystem restoration are crucial steps towards sustainable development.
“It is imperative to mobilize all sectors of Ghanaian society, including political, religious, and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals, to embark on a comprehensive program to restore our ecosystems and build drought resilience, Dr. Manful stressed.
