That is very laudable for him, that the Asantehene uses his influence to raise attention about such destructiveness for short-term profits.
However, many in Ghana are not aware, that the annual burning of farmland and bush ... read full comment
That is very laudable for him, that the Asantehene uses his influence to raise attention about such destructiveness for short-term profits.
However, many in Ghana are not aware, that the annual burning of farmland and bushland, and the tradition of hunting by laying fires, have gotten so much out of hand, that they present the bigger threat for the Ghanaian environment, prosperity and food supply.
That is because, it was the traditional method of farming since untold times, and very successful. But the traditional fallow, that is the resting of the land after farming it for three years, was commonly 6-7 years long. By now, due to more dense inhabitation and better accessibility of remote farmland due to extended roads and paths leading there, in many areas the vegetation is burned to the ground nearly annually!
What goes up in the smoke and flames, are nearly all the nutrients that were stored in the vegetation cover, like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Subsequently, without cover, the unprotected soil gets eroded away by the rain, wind, and scorching sun.
In West Africa, the burning has become so dramatic, that scientists have even found out, that the smoke rising from West Africa changes the weather pattern and cloud cover in South America, over the Amazon river!
That way, the soils will after just about a decade get so tired out, that it will be unable to bear sufficient harvest to provide food and income to the farmers.
Scientists by now know, that once the soil gets so degraded, even large amounts of fertilisers cannot restore it's fertility.
Only extended fallows (growth of legumes, bush and tree vegetation) to restore the organic matter can then replenish the soil's yield-bearing capacity again. And that takes a very long time, measured in decades.
(Additionally, the constant burning destroys and finally brings to extinction practically all flowering plants and herbs and destroys all small trees that are trying to grow from seeds, while the burning propagates the tall "Elephant grass" (Twi: Sirre), which soon covers the whole area, because fire doesn't destroy it's roots. This grass then acts like a weed, which most farmers cannot get rid off any more. Furthermore, most animals and plants cannot find a habitat in the areas covered by this grass.)
So Ghana has to find alternatives to the "slash and burn"- agriculture,
e.g.:
- GROUNDCOVER PLANTS (MUCUNA BEANS)
- IMPROVED FALLOWS (PIDGEON PEAS, MUCUNA...)
- CROP ROTATION
- FERTILIZER TREES (GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM, FAIDHERBIA ALBIDA)
- ALLEYCROPPING, INTERCROPPING, MIXED CROPPING
- EVERGREEN AGRICULTURE
- EDIBLE ECOFORESTS (BREADFRUIT - GLOBAL BREADFRUIT - BREADFRUIT REVOLUTION)
- VETIVER SYSTEM (EROSION CONTROL)
- MUSHROOM CULTIVATION (PROTEINS FROM SAWDUST)
K.Osafo Kantanka 9 years ago
I am rather very surprised that the Government of Ghana is not even in a position to say enough is enough,and to hell with this illegal or minor scale mining.The Government has got the power to outlaw this menace,to stop all ... read full comment
I am rather very surprised that the Government of Ghana is not even in a position to say enough is enough,and to hell with this illegal or minor scale mining.The Government has got the power to outlaw this menace,to stop all small,,minor or illegal mining. First suspend any activities relating to the mentioned sector.Outlaw it without any delay.Suspend the licences already granted.Use the Military the Police and other law enforcement units in this operation.Heavy jail sentences to be passed and deportation of foreign nationals after serving their sentences.Anybody found involved with this crime, Chiefs,Government Officials, etc, be dealt with severely.
Seth Uk 9 years ago
Your Highness, Can I say that you should be prompt in settling land disputes as well as mining. Some high profile chiefs designated to deal with such issues are not quick enough causing the region a lot developmental projects ... read full comment
Your Highness, Can I say that you should be prompt in settling land disputes as well as mining. Some high profile chiefs designated to deal with such issues are not quick enough causing the region a lot developmental projects and funds with its resultant consequences on the economy and frustration of financiers.
Wabee 9 years ago
Nana what is needed now is all chiefs in Ghana should come together and call on parlament to cancelled the law that give people the permit to do small scale mining. All the national house of chiefs should call on the govermen ... read full comment
Nana what is needed now is all chiefs in Ghana should come together and call on parlament to cancelled the law that give people the permit to do small scale mining. All the national house of chiefs should call on the goverment to stop this law of Rawlings.
Obrefo 9 years ago
Who are the costodians of our lands? Our chiefs. Who are leasing lands to these destructive minners? Our greedy self centered chiefs. Folks, i rest my case.
Go to Ahafo Kenyasi and witness what i'm talking about. Money mea ... read full comment
Who are the costodians of our lands? Our chiefs. Who are leasing lands to these destructive minners? Our greedy self centered chiefs. Folks, i rest my case.
Go to Ahafo Kenyasi and witness what i'm talking about. Money meant to develop the area is sent to manhyia at the expense of the people. Why can't we built our roads and other infrastructures with the rayalties? Are we slaves of Kumasi? Where is our share of Newmont money?
Kwabena Ansa 9 years ago
Nana, with all due respect, I think you are beating around the bush. Expressing your sadness and displeasure to the Mineral Commission Chief about the extent the environment is being degraded on daily basis by the activities ... read full comment
Nana, with all due respect, I think you are beating around the bush. Expressing your sadness and displeasure to the Mineral Commission Chief about the extent the environment is being degraded on daily basis by the activities of miners especially those illegal ones
is not going to get you anywhere.
The one person you should address your concern to directly is President Mahama because Dr. Aubynn for all purposes, is just a messenger of the President and as such, he Dr. Aubynn cannot make any significant decision like the one you are asking him to on his own without the final approval or say of the President.
That is very laudable for him, that the Asantehene uses his influence to raise attention about such destructiveness for short-term profits.
However, many in Ghana are not aware, that the annual burning of farmland and bush ...
read full comment
I am rather very surprised that the Government of Ghana is not even in a position to say enough is enough,and to hell with this illegal or minor scale mining.The Government has got the power to outlaw this menace,to stop all ...
read full comment
Your Highness, Can I say that you should be prompt in settling land disputes as well as mining. Some high profile chiefs designated to deal with such issues are not quick enough causing the region a lot developmental projects ...
read full comment
Nana what is needed now is all chiefs in Ghana should come together and call on parlament to cancelled the law that give people the permit to do small scale mining. All the national house of chiefs should call on the govermen ...
read full comment
Who are the costodians of our lands? Our chiefs. Who are leasing lands to these destructive minners? Our greedy self centered chiefs. Folks, i rest my case.
Go to Ahafo Kenyasi and witness what i'm talking about. Money mea ...
read full comment
Nana, with all due respect, I think you are beating around the bush. Expressing your sadness and displeasure to the Mineral Commission Chief about the extent the environment is being degraded on daily basis by the activities ...
read full comment