The mining industry plays a vital role in the economy of Ghana. In terms of export performance, it ranks second after cocoa and generates 20% of foreign exchange earnings.
Following the improved policy environment for investors, there has been a significant increase in mining activities since 1986 in Ghana. Old abandoned mines have been rehabilitated and several new ones have been set up resulting in significant increase in mineral production.
In spite of the economic benefits, mining activities pose serious environmental problems in the high forest zones where most of the mineral exploitation and processing take place. Some of the few visible changes in the vicinity of mining areas over the past century include: destruction of large tracks of forest lands, displacement of soil substrate, sedimentation of natural drainage, occurrence of open pits and accumulation of tailings. Lack of information on the effects of degradation has contributed over the years to mask the seriousness of the problem and suppressed public awareness.
It is the objective of this paper to discuss how mining activities affect the high forest zone of Ghana and also show current institutional measures aimed at sustaining the forest environment.
Key words: mining, environment, high forest, Ghana.
Correspondence: E.A. Abeney, University of Science and Technology, Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
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