Popular American actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, has called on stakeholders to act expeditiously in saving Ghana’s Atewa forest from being destroyed by mining.
The actor took to social media to incite Ghanaian authorities to save the forest, following news that bauxite mining in the forest could pollute three major rivers that provide water to an estimate of about 5 million people.
Mr Dicaprio stated that the Atewa forest is a source of drinking water to millions of people and “we must prioritize the protection of these irreplaceable places for a healthy planet”.
The actor and environmentalist noted that the forest reserve which “harbors 100 plus wildlife species at risk of extinction” needs to be protected in spite of the seeming profitable bauxite mining operation.
Atewa forest is a world-renowned forest reserve which is home to an estimated 165 million tons of bauxite, a sedimentary rock used to create aluminum products such as aircraft parts and utensils. Ghana is set to partner China to mine the bauxite, as it is considered a ticket to economic growth.
Campaigners and critics have however stated that, the environment cost of mining the bauxite is too high.
Source: Jonas Danquah