Charcoal use on the rise in Ghana due to economic hardships
Ghana, a country known for its rich natural resources, is facing an increasing problem with the use of charcoal as a primary source of fuel. The rise in charcoal use is being attributed to the current economic hardships faced by many Ghanaians.
According to a recent study by the Ghana Forest Commission, the country’s charcoal consumption has increased by over 40% in the past year. This is a significant increase, considering that Ghana is the second-largest producer of charcoal in Africa, behind only Nigeria.
The reason for this increase in charcoal use is the high cost of other energy sources, such as electricity and gas. Many Ghanaians have turned to charcoal as a cheaper alternative to these more expensive fuels.
Charcoal is a readily available and inexpensive fuel source in Ghana. It is produced by burning wood in an oxygen-poor environment, which results in a black, porous material that can be used for cooking and heating. The charcoal is then sold in local markets and is used by households and small businesses.
However, the increasing use of charcoal has had a significant impact on the country’s forests. The Ghana Forest Commission estimates that over 300,000 hectares of forest are lost each year due to charcoal production. This not only affects the country’s biodiversity and ecological balance, but it also contributes to climate change.
The government has taken steps to address the problem, including a ban on charcoal production in protected areas and the promotion of alternative energy sources. However, many Ghanaians are still reliant on charcoal as a primary source of fuel.
The use of charcoal in Ghana is on the rise due to economic hardships faced by many Ghanaians. While charcoal is a cheap and readily available fuel source, its increasing use has a significant impact on the country’s forests and contributes to climate change. It is important for the government to continue to promote alternative energy sources and for Ghanaians to consider the environmental consequences of their energy choices.
