Category Archives: Jhon Arbelaez (Accra, Ghana)

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.

A glimmer of hope …

The past few days in Ghana have been completely amazing. We began a journey out of the city on Saturday, later arriving in Kakum National Park, which may be one of the places where I have sweat the most. Here, I got the chance to walk on a rope canopy walkway, suspended nearly 40 meters above the ground on giant trees, and later experience a hike through the forest with incredible plant and animal biodiversity. In a country with high deforestation rates, growing populations, and increasing pressures on its natural resources, Ghana has managed to protect one of its most unique treasures. In Kakum, rare and endangered species of mahogany and rare forest elephants find a home. It is definitely something not to be missed while in Ghana.

Today, we visited  a small-scale gold mine in near Tarkwa in Western Ghana. According to the government, small-scale mines a operations that cover 25 acres of land or less. Here we met with workers who according to the government official earn 12 ghanaian cedis per day (the average wage in Ghana in 2 cedis per day), yet in reality the workers earn according to how much gold they can mine per day, as we found out later. The working conditions are unsafe, dangerous, unhealthy, and extremely environmentally destructive. In an area we there were wetlands, there is not pools of contaminated water and soil. Workers work in dark and unstable tunnels for more than 10 hours a day with little food, water, or air. With no safety equipment, workers use mercury to attract gold particles for the water and soil, and alter releasing it downstream. When the government official accompanying us was asked what the difference between illegal mines and small-scale mines sanctioned by the government was, he responded by saying that the mine were were in followed strict safety and environmental rules. Maybe we were looking at a different mine?

Later in the day we visited the chief of the Wassa people, whose territory encompasses Tarkwa. While waiting for our meeting, the chief and his council walked out of the room, and in a small ceremony, were presented with the keys to two brand new Range Rovers, courtesy of the Gold Field of Ghana Company, a corporation with a large stake in gold mining operations in the region. Was this a bribe for future land concessions? Payment for previous concessions? When asked what benefits mining had brought to the region, or if he preferred to deal with government officials or companies directly for land concessions, he avoided the question. In fact, every question our group asked today was either completely avoided, or was given a response that seemed to come from a script out of a propaganda brochure. Throughout these talks, the level of frustration was clear in all of us, as it was impossible to understand how this industry receives so much praise, while causing so much harm.

Towards the end of our meeting, a glimmer of hope appeared. The chief and his committee admitted that they are not happy about the way the government and the industry are treating their lands and people, and wish additional funds would flow to local communities. They mentioned that talks have been started to bring in more revenue and further protect the land and the people, but as always, bureaucracy was getting in the way. The chief also mentioned that he accepted the car to make transportation between sites easier, allowing him to inspect mining sites throughout the region. This response was plausible since he received a 4X4 vehicle, capable of traveling the poor roads in the Ghanaian countryside. That day I learned not to rush into judgement. Although I may not agree with the way things are done here in Ghana, we in the western world have not done any better to protect out environment and people, and it would be arrogant to come in here and tell these people what to do. They will manage their lands how they see fit. The only thing we can do is that may learn from our mistakes and not follow in our path. Our talks with the chief were enlightening and hopefully we can make some meaningful recommendations at the end of the program.

Akwaaba!!


I didn’t know what to expect when I landed in Ghana. I came with no preconceptions of what the country is and it’s people would be like, and did not google or look up anything on Ghana on purpose, so I may learn as I go. So far, I have to say I am impressed by everything so far. The people are extremely friendly and will help you out whenever they can, the accommodations are similar if not better to my apartment in Monterey, and I often find more vegetarian options in restaurants than I do in restaurants in the United States.

So far, we have had a chance to meet some great people who work at the University of Ghana, as well as random strangers we meet and are fascinated that we are Americans. They love Obama, and have asked us several times to say “hi” to him. During our welcome dinner, we were fortunate to be at the same restaurant where a birthday party for a 75 year old grandma was being held (I swear she didn’t look a year over 50). We were invited to join in the celebrations, served cake and champagne, and danced with the family and grandma, who can still shake it at 75! I must say, best welcome to a country ever!

The following day we were taken on a tour of the city of Accra, which is extremely westernized and modern. Although the city is congested and industrial, it is educated and cultural – comparable to any western city. The people are friendly and welcoming, and everywhere we went we heard “akwaaba!,” which means “welcome” in the native language. As with any city, we were warned to stay away from certain places and certain people. During the tour of the city, we happened to drive by the US Embassy, which looks like a fortress, and has several signs which state that there is no photography allowed. After someone in the group snapped a picture (not me), we were stopped by two very rough looking Ghanaian police officers with very large guns and a short temper, who proceeded to check the camera they thought took the picture. Our local guide was finally able to calm them down and they let us go. Suffice it to say, it never ceases to amaze me how much of a target the Untied States has become due to our arrogance and meddling in world affairs. No matter where we are we seem to be in danger. We finished the day with another welcome BBQ where we enjoyed traditional Ghanaian dances and were even taught some moves!

We have had only had 2 days of classes so far, yet we have learned so much. Ghana is a unique country, yet it faces some of the same problems we face in the US. Political deadlocks, inability to rule, and corruption plague the government. Transnational corporations bribe and scheme to influence legislation that is favorable to them. The government is making strides to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental and social protection, yet much more needs to be done. The current government is taking a second look at energy leases that were signed during the previous administration, making sure that they are favorable to the people of Ghana. However, it must still try to deal with increasing domestice pressure to create jobs and provide incomes.

One thing I found interesting is that the State owns all minerals, even though the land on the surface is privately owned. The government has the authority to take over the land and lease it in order to extract the minerals. Although compensation is given, it does not take into account traditional land rights, and ignores claims of ownership that are often centuries old, but were never written down on paper. With the discovery of offshore oil, there is a fear that development of infrastructure for oil extraction will take away more land from indigenous populations, put further pressure on the limited in resources of an area to handle increased populations, and put traditional subsistence living such as fishing and farming at risk.

Up until today, I have learned so much, and I’m looking forward to learning even more. At the end of the program, we have been asked to prepare a policy brief on the current management plans for the various extractive industries in the country. My group has been assigned “forestry.” This brief will contain recommendations for reducing environmental and social impacts of the industry. It will be presented to appropriate government officials and the media.

Next week are off on a weeklong field trip around Ghana, visiting some open-pit gold mines, coastal areas slated for future oil development, and some beautiful natural areas, including Kakorum National Park. I look forward to it! Overall, Akwaaba to Ghana!!

P.S. the picture above was a sign “welcoming” people to Ghana at the airport. I had to share.

Ghana – An environmental model?

Starting this Saturday, I will spend 30 days in the beautiful country of Ghana, with the Emerging Leaders’ Extraction and Environment Program (E-LEEP), funded by the State Department and administered by Duquesne University. Along with 19 professionals in the environmental field from across the US, I will study the effects of natural resource extraction on the social, economic, political, and environmental systems in Ghana. Natural resources to be studied include timber, fisheries, hardrock mining, and fossil fuel extraction.

Ghana is one of the most democratically stable countries in Africa. Since 1992, the country has enjoyed relative stability and economic growth, often exceeding 20% per year. However, nearly 80% of its population still lives on less than $2 per day. With the discovery of the Jubilee oil field off Ghana’s coast, and estimates of nearly 2 billion barrels of oil and natural gas present, the country stands to gain significantly from their newly discovered natural resources. Historically, African countries with newly discovered petroleum reserves quickly begin to suffer from corruption, social conflict, and environmental degradation. Is Ghana destined to go down the same path? Since the discovery of oil reserves, the government has tried to improve its laws and regulations, attempting to prevent the same problems that have plagued other oil producing African nations, such as Nigeria and Angola.

During our short stay in Ghana, our group will take a look at the history extractive industries in Ghana, including political involvement, social aspects, environmental impacts, and the future of the industry. At the same time, we will evaluate current and future management plans the government of Ghana has for the industry, as well as how it plans to protect its natural resources, and help fairly and sustainably distribute the wealth from these resources. The government hopes to ensure that all Ghanaians benefit from their natural resources. At the end of the program, our group will present the results of our evaluation of the management plans, and the best way to move forward to appropriate government officials, where several local and foreign media are expected to be in attendance.

E-LEEP is amazing opportunity for environmental professionals, and I am extremely fortunate to have been chosen to participate. In addition to the professional and academic work we will be performing, participants will get a chance to visit natural and historical areas of Ghana, and spend a week visiting the coastal zone and the most important mining areas of the country. We will also spend a weekend staying with a local family, allowing us to experience Ghana as the locals do. The next 30 days are going to be epic.