Ghana's environmental sustainability has taken a worrying hit

Ghana's environmental sustainability has taken a worrying hit, according to the 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). The country has recorded the steepest decline in environmental sustainability across Africa over the past decade. Ghana's performance in the "Sustainable Environment" category has deteriorated significantly, with a 4.3-point drop in sustainable land and forest use, from 41.9 in 2014 to 37.6 in 2023 .

But that's not all - the country's ability to protect land and water biodiversity has plummeted by 12.1 points, from 37 in 2014 to 24 in 2023. And efforts to combat illegal biodiversity exploitation have dropped by a staggering 59%, from 61.5 to 25.0, over the same period .

These alarming statistics have pushed Ghana down to 39th place among 54 African countries in terms of sustainable environmental practices, with a negative score of -2.5 points. Neighboring Togo, on the other hand, ranks 12th with a score of 20 points .

The IIAG report highlights the urgent need for Ghana to address its environmental challenges, particularly the devastating impact of illegal mining activities, known locally as "galamsey." These activities have led to widespread deforestation, river pollution, and water contamination .

*Key Environmental Concerns in Ghana:*

- _Deforestation_: Widespread destruction of forests due to galamsey activities

- _Water Pollution_: Contamination of rivers and water sources

- _Biodiversity Loss_: Decline in land and water biodiversity protection

- _Air Pollution_: Household air pollution causing premature deaths ¹

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The Ghanaian government faces mounting pressure to repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022, which has been criticized for allowing mining in protected areas. With the country's environmental sustainability at stake, it's crucial for Ghana to take decisive action to address these pressing concerns .

Source: Modern Ghana