Illegal mining, logging endangering rare tree species — Experts warn Bright YeboahbyBright Yeboah

Forest conservation experts have expressed growing concern over the increasing threats facing several tree species across the country as a result of human activities.

According to the experts, illegal mining, rampant illegal logging, illegal farming, and the vast encroachment on forest reserves are severely damaging vital ecosystems and endangering rare and indigenous tree species.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd National-Level Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Threatened Trees Conservation’, organised by the Forest Research Institute of Ghana, on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. James Amponsah, the project coordinator, expressed worry over the scale of destruction, noting that it poses serious challenges to scientific research and biodiversity preservation.

Kwamena Quaison, Director at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasised the need to review existing forest conservation policies, noting that traditional approaches have failed to deliver the desired results.

“At the moment, there are four trees that are critically endangered according to the IUCN in Ghana. And some of these species are rare. Illegal farming also in a way degrades the forests, but basically, the main challenge is illegal logging as well as illegal mining. You earmark a tree you want to monitor and collect propagation materials, you get there the following day, and it’s off due to galamsey.

“I think when we all work together, build capacity, raise awareness, we can help protect Ghana’s threatened species,” he said.