A Rocha Calls for Ghana to Withdraw as Co-Chair of Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership

Conservation group A Rocha is calling for the removal of Ghana from its position as Co-Chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership. Ghana, appointed alongside the US to co-chair the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership at COP27, now faces accusations from A Rocha of actions in direct contradiction with the sustainability commitments expected of its role.

A recent letter written by A Rocha to the US Embassy has driven home Ghana's failure in protecting her forests, accusing the government of dereliction of duty and complicity in the operations of galamsey (illegal mining) activities within Forest Reserves.

While Ghana's Co-Chair tenure will end in November 2024, A Rocha wants her removed immediately, stating these violations are grave.

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The major issue A Rocha addresses is the general destruction of all forest reserves, with the case of Apamprama said to be 49% destroyed by illegal mining. The letter noted the lack of control by the government, where gold mining leases in forested areas have increased. A total of 10 companies were granted leases to mine in 11 Forest Reserves between 2022 and 2023, which is a sharp contrast to the five companies given between 1992 and 2016. 

A Rocha is most critical of a new Legislative Instrument, L.I. 2462 that was passed last year and allows mining in previously protected GSBAs under certain conditions. This, they said, was a betrayal of Ghana's commitment to forest protection.

The organization truly believes that such developments only serve to dent Ghana's status in the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership and its growing global reputation in environmental leadership. They hold the view that any step Ghana might take in enabling deforestation for mining is therefore inconsistent with leading global forest conservation efforts.