Green Crime and Climate Justice in Ghana

Abstract

Green crime refers to illicit actions that endanger the environment, harm animal and human health, have an influence on corporate supply chains, and endanger global security and sustainable development. The dangers of green crime in Ghana and other parts of the African continent include pollution to the environment, forest fires, extinction of species, violation of animal rights, and accelerated climate change. Despite the current legal framework and the efforts of the state, stakeholders, national security, traditional, and community leaders, green crimes are a priority on the government’s agenda due to their complexity and difficulty. With a focus on the damaging impacts of illicit mining (Galamsey) on the environment and human life, this chapter seeks to explore green crime in Ghana while also examining the legal system, criminal penalties, and compliance. This study also evaluates Ghana’s current environmental justice legislation, government initiatives, compliance with international law, and the participation of foreign nationals in unlawful mining activities. The study will depend on secondary data, such as academic papers, environmental justice legislation and regulations, internet and newspaper reviews, and other pertinent material that advances understanding. The impact of illegal mining on selected communities in Ghana is illustrated in the last section of the chapter, along with mitigation tactics and key players in the battle against green crime in Ghana.