Illegal logging, charcoal production, posing threat to Savannah Ecological Zone — Conference speakers
Illegal logging and rampant charcoal production are major causes of deforestation and environmental harm in the Savannah Ecological Zone.
These challenges have been worsened by limited access to clean energy options, causing many households, especially in rural and peri-urban areas to depend heavily on wood and charcoal for fuel.
This situation, however, poses a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and livelihoods, and worsens the impact of climate change in the area.
These concerns were raised by speakers at the maiden edition of a Savannah Climate Conference in Tamale, jointly organised by YEFL Ghana, the Faculty of Sustainable Development Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS) and Oxfam Ghana.
The conference, on the theme “Savannah Solutions: Local Actions with Inclusion, Innovation and Impact,” served as a crucial policy-academic platform to promote dialogue among stakeholders on climate change adaptation strategies in the Savannah Zone.
It brought together civil society organisations, private sector players, youth networks, development partners, local government representatives and academia to reflect on the escalating climate crisis in northern Ghana and collaboratively develop actionable solutions.
The Director of YEFL Ghana, Vera Jawol Magan, expressed concern about northern Ghana's widespread unregulated charcoal production.
She warned that the unchecked exploitation of natural resources was damaging fragile ecosystems and hindering development efforts.
“We support a phased transition from traditional earth-mound kilns to improved carbonisation technologies, alongside the establishment of community-managed woodlots and reforestation schemes,” she said.
Mrs Magan called for a review of regulatory frameworks governing the production, licensing and conveyance of charcoal to improve fairness, enforceability, and relevance to local contexts.
Collaboration
The Deputy Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), Sharifa Gymah, in a speech read on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, praised YEFL Ghana and its partners for hosting the dialogue at such a crucial time.
“Our region faces some of the harshest climate conditions in the country, including prolonged droughts and degraded ecosystems.
“We need urgent, localised and inclusive solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge, research and governance," she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor of the UDS, Prof. Al-Hassan Seidu, expressed similar sentiments and urged greater investment in climate mitigation.
He added that “there are locally adaptable solutions to the climate crisis, but a lack of resources limits the scale and impact of these interventions."
He also urged the government to enhance its cooperation with stakeholders who are actively contributing to climate action, particularly in the Northern Region, where the circumstances are critical.
Writer's email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
