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.
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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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