Scores of illegal miners invade Ghana's Atewa Forest Reserve daily, stripping it bare.

The relentless influx of these miners, armed with motorbikes and excavation tools, has led to significant deforestation and water pollution. The Forestry Commission guards are vastly outnumbered and unable to stop the destruction. This activity not only threatens local biodiversity but also jeopardizes drinking water supplies for nearby communities.

Illegal mining activities have stripped away forest cover and polluted water sources in Atewa Forest Reserve, putting both wildlife and human populations at risk.

The long-term vulnerability of the Atewa Forest to continued illegal mining could lead to irreversible ecological degradation. The loss of this critical watershed area would exacerbate water stress for communities downstream.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

The destruction of the Atewa Forest Reserve will likely worsen local climate conditions, including increased temperatures and reduced rainfall. This scenario could lead to more severe droughts and a heightened risk of wildfires in the future.

The loss of forest cover will negatively impact the region's climate resilience.