A Rocha, a conservation-oriented organization, is calling for Ghana’s removal as Co-Chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), citing the country’s failure to protect its forests. Ghana was appointed Co-Chair alongside the US at COP27, with the goal of leading the world in sustainable forest management. However, A Rocha argues that Ghana’s actions have been contradictory to this goal.
In early 2023, the Ghanaian government claimed that the ecological integrity of its Forest Reserves was intact, but this was disputed by civil society. Later, in May 2023, the government revealed that several reserves were under threat from illegal mining, with three reserves requiring military intervention. Despite this, the government has taken little action to address the issue.
A Rocha has also uncovered evidence of gold mining leases being granted in Ghana’s Forest Reserves and Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs). Between 1992 and 2016, only five companies had been granted leases, but between 2022 and 2023, ten companies acquired leases to mine gold in large portions of 11 Forest Reserves. This surge in mining leases is attributed to the “Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations L.I.2462,” passed in November 2022.
The new legislation has been criticized for making it easier for mining companies to access concessions within Forest Reserves and GSBAs. Previously, mining was limited to 2% of production areas, but the new law removes this restriction, allowing some concessions to cover 100% of the Forest Reserve. Additionally, GSBAs, once fully protected, are now open to mining if deemed in the national interest.
A Rocha’s investigation, supported by The Fourth Estate, found that company beneficiaries with ties to the government have been granted mining leases or are awaiting validation. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the government’s commitment to forest protection. A Rocha argues that Ghana’s actions undermine its position as FCLP Co-Chair and demonstrate contempt for the Glasgow Leaders Declaration.
The organization is urging the government to be stripped of its Co-Chair position immediately, despite its term ending in November. A Rocha believes that Ghana’s leadership in the FCLP is no longer tenable, given its failure to protect its forests and address the issues of illegal mining and corruption.
The Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership aims to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Ghana’s role as Co-Chair was seen as an opportunity to lead by example, but A Rocha’s revelations suggest that the country is not taking its responsibilities seriously.
The Glasgow Leaders Declaration, endorsed by 145 nations, emphasizes the importance of sustainable forest management and conservation. Ghana’s actions, however, appear to be at odds with this declaration.
A Rocha’s call for Ghana’s removal as FCLP Co-Chair highlights the need for accountability and transparency in global leadership. The organization’s evidence-based arguments underscore the urgency of addressing forest destruction and corruption.
A Rocha’s stance on Ghana’s removal as FCLP Co-Chair is rooted in the country’s failure to protect its forests and address corruption. The organization’s efforts aim to ensure that global leaders uphold their commitments to sustainable forest management and climate action.
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