The Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has emphasized that preserving Ghana’s forests requires not only reforestation efforts but also measures to limit tree harvesting.
He noted that while reforestation is important, addressing the root causes of deforestation is the key to sustainable forest preservation.
Mr. Ayariga pointed out that understanding why people harvest trees is crucial in tackling deforestation.
He noted that timber is widely used for construction, particularly for roofing, and suggested that Ghana’s building regulations should be reviewed to limit the use of timber in construction.
By promoting alternative materials, he argued, the country could greatly reduce the pressure on forests.
“What is the basis of the demand for wood, that is where we should pay attention. If people are using wood for roofing their houses can we change our building regulations so that we can regulate the extent to which timber will be used for construction. That way we reduce the demand for those products,” he said.
Additionally, he stressed the heavy reliance on wood for charcoal production for domestic cooking as a major driver of deforestation.
He urged the government to expand the distribution and accessibility of LPG gas to discourage the use of firewood and charcoal as primary energy sources.
According to him, investing in alternative energy solutions will reduce the incentive to cut down trees for fuel.
Mr. Ayariga stressed that protecting Ghana’s forests requires a shift in focus from merely planting trees to actively reducing the demand for wood-based products.
Mr. Ayariga called for increased investment in alternative energy and construction materials to curb deforestation and safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.
