Prof. Eric Stemn, Head of Dept, Environment and Safety Engineering, UMaT
Correspondence from the Western Region
The Head of the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Prof. Eric Stemn, has stated that climate change is already having visible effects on communities in Tarkwa, and urgent action is needed to prevent further environmental damage.
Speaking during UMaT’s World Environment Day celebration at the university auditorium, Prof. Stemn said residents in Tarkwa were already experiencing the effects of climate change, making it necessary for stakeholders to adapt and invest in sustainable environmental practices.
The event, organised in collaboration with Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, was held under the theme: “A Call for Climate Action: Renewable Energy, Forest Expansion and Zero-Waste Initiatives.”
Prof. Stemn explained that the university selected renewable energy, forest expansion and zero-waste initiatives as its focus areas because of the growing environmental challenges confronting Ghana.
According to him, Ghana generates more than 13,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with less than 10 per cent being recycled, leaving the majority of waste to end up in landfills and pollute the environment.
He also expressed concern over the rapid depletion of forest reserves in the country, revealing that Ghana has lost nearly two-thirds of its forest cover since 1950.
Prof. Stemn disclosed that research conducted in Tarkwa showed that over 1,000 hectares of forest had been lost within the past four years, contributing to the drying up of rivers and worsening environmental degradation.
“Those of us in Tarkwa cannot say that the climate crisis is a distant threat. It is something that we are facing, and there is a need for us to adapt to make sure that we do not suffer from the consequences of climate change,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he noted that Ghana possessed enormous renewable energy potential and urged stakeholders to take advantage of opportunities in solar and other clean energy sources to help achieve the country’s target of integrating 10 per cent renewable energy into the national energy mix by 2030.
Senior Manager for Environment at Gold Fields, John Kwesi Adingila, stressed the importance of forest restoration, describing forest expansion as not only an environmental issue but also an economic and human survival issue.
He noted that forests serve as major carbon sinks, protect water bodies, and preserve biodiversity, making reforestation one of the most effective natural solutions to climate change.
Mr Adingila stated that responsible mining must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, adding that Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine had adopted concurrent land rehabilitation practices and continued to invest heavily in restoring degraded lands.
An Environmental Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Portia Afful, underscored the need for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
She said renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass offered sustainable alternatives that could support economic growth while protecting the environment.
According to her, AngloGold Ashanti had set a target of reducing carbon emissions by 30 per cent by the year 2030 as part of its global sustainability strategy.
A panel discussion held during the celebration also emphasised the need for collective action in addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable waste management practices.
Panellists highlighted the importance of renewable energy adoption, reforestation, and responsible mining practices in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
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