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| Atewa Forest |
Known to be the
healthiest and most important ecosystem in West Africa, the Atwea forest is on
the verge of disappearing due to the economic over-exploitation of the range.
Commercial bauxite
and illegal artisan mining, illegal logging and bush meat hunting is gradually
destroying the forest.
The forest covers an
area of 233,662 hectares, sheltering three major rivers in Ghana-the Ayensu,
Birim and Densu.
These rivers provide
drinking water for both urban and rural dwellers in parts of Accra, Oda,
Koforidua and Kade. The bio-diverse forest also supports a number of rare
plants and animals of global and national importance.
Currently it has 155
birds, 143 butterflies, and 28 mammal species.
The forest is noted
for delivering a variety of ecosystem services and economic benefits.
At the spate of
forest degradation, Ghana is losing fauna ranging from the rare and indigenous
species to several of West African forest birds.
Major causes are
commercial bauxite and illegal artisanal mining in fringe communities, illegal
chainsaw logging, bush meat hunting and farm encroachment.
A Rocha Ghana
and the Regional Environmental Office of the US Embassy in Accra have taken it
upon themselves to educate communities and civil society on protecting
the national asset as part of activities marking this year's international
earth day celebration under the theme, "green cities".
Ghana celebrated the
day under the theme, "our forest in harmony, with our cities."
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