Ghana Loses $54 Billion Annually to Environmental Degradation - EPA_

 Ghana faces a staggering environmental cost of $54 billion annually due to degradation activities such as illegal mining, water pollution, coastal habitat destruction, and climate change, according to Dr. Kingsley Krugu, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Speaking at the World Biodiversity Day ceremony in Accra, Dr. Krugu emphasized that this estimated value may be even higher. He highlighted the alarming rate of deforestation, with Ghana's closed forest reserve shrinking from approximately 145,000 square kilometers in the 20th century to less than 15,000 square kilometers today.

Dr. Krugu attributed this loss to uncontrolled human activities and over-exploitation of resources, urging the public to take action in protecting nature. Despite ongoing initiatives aimed at sustainable biodiversity management, the desired outcomes have yet to be achieved.

The EPA's warning underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to address environmental degradation and preserve Ghana's natural resources for future generations.