The pot calling the kettle black

As we prepare to make our “recommendations” to Ghanaian government officials regarding improvements in the various extractive industries in the country, I find myself conflicted. The more I learn about the issues Ghana faces, the more I find links between what is going here, and what is happening in the United States. As is back home, the influence of extractive industries in Ghana is extraordinary, affecting all levels government. According to Forest Watch Ghana (FWG), in 2010, the Ghana Forestry Commission (FC) issued more than 100 “salvaging permits” for logging in forest reserves. These permits are meant for situations where the removal of trees is necessary for the survival of a larger forest area. However, the permits were issued for clearing of healthy forest areas, helping channel hundreds of millions of dollars to timber companies, commission officials, and politicians.

Two weeks ago, I visited a timber concession provided to ForestGhana, a private timber company, by the FC. This plantation was being used for the purpose of reforesting areas which has lost tree cover in a wildfire several years before. In order to make the project economically profitable, ForestGhana plants 90% of the land with monocultures of non-native tree species, particularly teak, which are then sold on the international market at a high price. Multiple case studies have repeatedly shown that non-native species have a negligible benefit towards biodiveristy protection, and the protection of ecosystem services. Additionally, 90% of the revenue generated by the project goes directly to the company, with only 2% slated to benefit the local communities who inhabit the area.

Continuing with forestry practices, only 26% of protected forest reserves are managed for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, while a staggering 74% are managed for timber extraction. These kind of policies and practices, coupled with the continued need for wood and non-wood products for local and international markets, has led to the loss of over 90% of forest cover in Ghana since 1900. Some government officials recognize the problem, and Ghana is currently a pilot country in the REDD+ program to reduce deforestation and degradation. The country still lacks proper legislation to protect forest resources, and has been cited by international panels as not properly involving local stakeholders in decision making and planning.

As a local student I spoke a couple of days ago said: “Everyone knows there’s corruption, but no one is willing to stand up to those people.” Short-term economic development is placed ahead of resource protection and long-term sustainability. Local communities do not benefit from the extraction of their resources. So once again I am faced with the same dilemma … what can we recommend for the management of Ghana’s natural resources, when our own country makes the same mistakes everyday? I can only hope that any recommendations we make lead to sustainable management of natural resources in Ghana. Even with all their problems, the country still has a chance to become a beacon of conservation in Africa.

With all the problems the world faces, individuals who can stand up for their rights and the rights of the environment are needed. We may be called idealists, hippies, or even deluded, yet it is better than giving up and doing nothing.

26 thoughts on “The pot calling the kettle black”

  1. Jessica Bradish

    Jhonny, with such a great set of options, I’m psyched about being a deluded hippy?! Seriously, what is your recommendation going to be? Be better than the US? Don’t sell out your rural poor to multinational corporations flush with slush-funds they can splash around at will? Sounds like you’re practicing that ‘pragmatic idealism’ we learn at MIIS first-hand.

    1. Jhon Arbelaez Post author

      I don’t know what my recommendations will be. studying how to save the world is different from putting into practice. So many things have to be considered. Solutions that are too radical might be rejected, yet at the same time you risk not doing enough. How do we choose between having food for people to eat today versus banning hunting of an endangered species? There are ideas galore, but no follow-through due to lack of resources and capital. It’s a hard situation. But we have to start somewhere

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    As a local student I spoke a couple of days ago said: “Everyone knows there’s corruption, but no one is willing to stand up to those people.” Short-term economic development is placed ahead of resource protection and long-term sustainability. Local communities do not benefit from the extraction of their resources. So once again I am faced with the same dilemma about nano ceramic coating mobil jakarta … what can we recommend for the management of Ghana’s natural resources, when our own country makes the same mistakes everyday? I can only hope that any recommendations we make lead to sustainable management of natural resources in Ghana. Even with all their problems, the country still has a chance to become a beacon of conservation in Africa.

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