Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Kingsley Krugu, has revealed that an economic evaluation of environmental degradation in Ghana amounts to US$54 billion annually.
The degradation activities encompass illegal mining, pollution of water bodies with chemicals such as mercury, degradation of coastal habitats, and climate change-induced phenomena like erosion and displacement of coastal communities.
Speaking at a ceremony marking this year’s World Biodiversity Day (WBD) in Accra, Dr. Krugu suggested that the assessed value might even be higher.
World Biodiversity Day (WBD) is designated by the United Nations to enhance awareness and understanding of biological diversity.
The theme for this year, “Be Part of the Plan,” serves as a reminder of human responsibility toward the environment, as enshrined in Article 41 (k) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
It urges action from all stakeholders and the public to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Dr. Kurugu highlighted that in the 20th Century, Ghana could boast approximately 145,000 square kilometers of closed forest reserves, but presently, it has less than 15,000 square kilometers remaining.
“We have lost and still losing this important biodiversity due to uncontrolled anthropogenic activities coupled with over exploitation of resources for economic gains without recourse to the regeneration capacity of the forest,” he said, and urged the public to contribute to protection of nature.
He observed that despite numerous ongoing programs and initiatives in the country aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of biodiversity for national development, the anticipated outcomes have not yet been achieved.
Ophelia Mensah Hayford, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized that the natural heritage supports unique species of plants and animals, many of which are exclusive to Ghana.
“As custodians of this invaluable biodiversity, we are responsible for ensuring its protection, conservation, and sustainable utilisation for the benefit of present and future generations,” she said.
She stated that the Ministry was dedicated to creating plans that combine the preservation of biodiversity with sustainable use in all areas, such as urban planning, forestry, agriculture, and fisheries.
“We will continue to sstrengthen capacity-building initiatives, environmental education, and public awareness campaigns to empower individuals, communities, and stakeholders to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts at all levels to foster a culture of environmental stewardship,” she stated.
MESTI, she added, would collaborate with government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, private sector entities, and development partners to mobilise resources, share knowledge, and implement coordinated actions for biodiversity conservation.