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Mangroves have been exploited decades in coastal areas of Ghana for these socio-economic benefits. Over dependency on these resources without adequate conservation measures poses
a threat to wildlife, protective functions against strong tidal waves and livelihoods of and long term sustainability of the fishery industry. This section of the report briefly discuss the
extent of utilization of mangrove resources as well as challenges and opportunities associated with these resources and suggest options for sustainable use and conservation particularly to
protect fish nursery sites.
4.7.2 Mangrove resources in the coastal regions of Ghana
Mangroves occur in several estuaries of river deltas along the coastal wetlands of Ghana but particularly in the Volta, PRA and Ankobra Deltas. 38 of resource owners interviewed
during the survey managed mangroves for fuelwood mainly for fish smoking. Both gender own and produce fuelwood from mangrove. Mangrove resources are commonly found on
family land especially in the Western Region where 100 of mangrove resource owners manage family mangrove lands. In the Central region 45 of resource owners purchased
mangrove land outright while about 42 of those in the Volta Region acquired their production area from a community or on hire basis Figure 88.
Volta Volta
Volta Central
Plate 12 Some mangrove sites visited in the Volta and Central Regions
100 20
40 60
80 100
120
Volta Central
Western All Regions
R e
sour ce
ow ne
r
Regions
Tenure to mangrove land
Family Community
Rented Outright purchase
Figure 89 Tenure to mangrove land in Ghana
Mangroves either occur in natural stands or planted in the Volta, Central and Western Regions. 100 mangrove resource owners interviewed in the Volta region planted their
resource. Plantation sizes range from 2-20 acres. Three mangrove species were identified during the survey i.e. Red, White and Black mangroves Plate 13. It was observed that the
red mangrove with the stilt roots occur along the margins of the estuary or river while the black and white species occur further on the islands.
Plate 13 Estimating mangrove wood volumes in the Keta District of the Volta Region
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Plate 14 Identifying mangrove species in the Keta District of the Volta Region
Red Mangrove White Mangrove
Black Mangrove
Plate 15 Three mangrove species along the Volta Estuaries
4.7.3 Harvesting and stand management
Mangroves are extensively harvested Plate 14 as nearly all parts of the matured tree are used for fish smoking. Resource owners pursue a range of management strategies to ensure
mangrove grows to maturity. The red mangrove seeds naturally while the white and black species are established through seedlings.
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Aside re-establishing a mangrove stand after harvesting some owners in the Volta and Western Regions deliberately aid natural regeneration through enrichment planting. Resource
owners and fuelwood producers indicate that mangroves grow for 6-12 years or more to maturity.
Plate 16 Harvesting of mangrove for sale
Plate 17 Mangrove natural regeneration at the Volta estuaries
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4.7.4 Dependency on mangroves for livelihood
