Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Hon. John Darko Esq., has sounded the alarm on the urgent need to protect Ghana’s forest cover and medicinal plants.
Speaking in Parliament, he lamented the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the country’s biodiversity, health care, and environment.
Hon. Darko revealed that a staggering 25-80% of Ghana’s forests were destroyed in the last 20-30 years, mainly due to Galamsey and agriculture.
He stressed that the destruction of forests is undermining the country’s health care, as many medicinal plants are being lost, threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.
The MP pointed out that Ghana’s forests are a treasure trove of medicinal plants, with many species still unknown to science. He cited examples of plants with proven medicinal value, such as the “Ghanaian quinine” tree, used to treat malaria, and the “bitter leaf” plant, used to treat diabetes.
Hon. Darko urged the government to take decisive action against Galamsey, citing the need to protect Ghana’s natural heritage and ensure sustainable development.
He emphasised that it’s time for collective action to safeguard the country’s environment and promote sustainable livelihoods.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana