The governing board of the Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA), the highest decision-making body overseeing the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP), has firmly opposed A Rocha’s suggestion to remove Ghana from its co-chair role in the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP).

The FCLP was launched during the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where Ghana and the United States were appointed as co-chairs.

A Rocha, an environmental organization, argued that Ghana has failed in its commitment to sustainable forest management, a responsibility it assumed by accepting the FCLP co-chair position.

They cited illegal mining (galamsey) as evidence of this failure and called for Ghana’s immediate removal, despite the country’s co-chair term ending in November.

However, the REDD+ communities have rejected this proposal, asserting that A Rocha’s stance does not reflect the views of the local communities benefiting from the Ghana REDD+ Programme.

These communities, spread across five regions—Western North, Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern—have voiced their support for Ghana’s continued involvement in the FCLP.

Local Communities Speak Out

In a press release, the Group representing these regions stated, “We represent local communities, women, youth, marginalized and vulnerable groups.

The claims made by A Rocha do not speak for the people living in these areas who have gained significantly from the Ghana REDD+ programme.”

The statement highlighted Ghana’s role as a global leader in reducing carbon emissions, noting that the country successfully reduced 972,465 tonnes of CO2 in 2019 and 3,379,161 tonnes in 2020/2021.

The communities also emphasized that 69% of the benefits from the Ghana REDD+ Programme go directly to supporting local initiatives.

They argued that removing Ghana from its co-chair position would do nothing to address illegal mining, or galamsey, and would instead limit the country’s ability to leverage international platforms to solve environmental issues.

While the Group acknowledged A Rocha’s concerns about galamsey, they disagreed with the approach of targeting Ghana’s FCLP leadership.

They stated, "Rather than stripping Ghana of its position, we should focus on using this global platform to address the challenges like galamsey."

Moving Forward

The Group expressed their intention to work with all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, civil society, religious groups, and political entities, to create effective solutions to combat illegal mining.

They also extended an invitation to A Rocha and similar organizations to join forces in fighting galamsey, emphasizing that it should be a collaborative effort for the benefit of both current and future generations.

The statement concluded with a call for unity, saying, “Long live Ghana, long live REDD+.”