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Neem Trees in Krobo Areas are at Risk of Becoming Extinct

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By Laary Watch


The neem tree has attracted significant interest due to its therapeutic properties, particularly in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. 

Unfortunately, the species in the Krobo areas of the Eastern region is now at risk of extinction due to the impact of changing climate patterns and irresponsible human actions. 

According to Mr. Kojo Odum Eduful, the President of the Traditional Medicines Practitioners Association, consuming and inhaling boiled leaves of neem trees has been found to boost the immune system, providing protection against the virus during the COVID era. 

Furthermore, it is utilised in the management of a range of health issues, such as malaria, nosebleeds, intestinal worms, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, and other conditions. 

The cultivation of the neem tree is widespread across several African countries, spanning from Ghana and Mauritania to Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea. Other countries where neem trees are extensively grown include Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, and Sudan. 

However, traditional medicine and environmental experts have expressed increasing concern about the situation in the Eastern region, particularly in the Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo areas. 

Mr. Tetteh Moses Appenahier, a resident of Ayirmersu, shared that he and others in the area have been relying on cutting down trees for charcoal and firewood to support their livelihoods.   Regrettably, the neem tree population is being endangered by this activity. 

He claims to have cut down over 50 neem trees, stating that he exclusively uses them for charcoal production. His reasoning behind this choice is that his customers have expressed that neem charcoal is long-lasting and burns at a slower rate. 

The speaker highlighted the increased profitability of charcoal produced from neem trees, which can be sold for 170 Ghana cedis per bag.   By contrast, a bag of charcoal made from mango trees is priced at 80 cedis. 

According to Mr. Solomon Teye Kwame, a farmer, he acknowledged the medicinal properties of the treatment for malaria but was not well-versed in its effects on vegetation. 

He saw the neem tree mainly as a way to combat malaria and create charcoal, without exploring its other possible applications. 

According to Mr. Francis Nii Clottey, the head of Yilo Krobo Agriculture Extension, Indians brought the tree to Africa in the 19th century. 

The speaker highlighted the importance of the tree and stressed the importance of human actions in safeguarding and conserving it. 

"All parts of the tree have become incredibly valuable due to their economic significance. They are utilised in the production of neem oil, neem cake, and neem extract," he stated. 

In addition, these substances are utilised in the production of various chemicals that help control pests, treat fungal diseases, and eliminate insects such as cockroaches and mosquitoes. 

It has been observed that the neem tree industry is flourishing in specific areas of Ghana, like the Upper West and Central regions. The production of neem oil has experienced substantial growth, especially for exportation. 

The speaker highlighted the significance of the Environmental Protection Agency in consistently educating the public about the economic advantages it offers, while also discouraging individuals from selfishly harming trees. 

Emphasising the importance of the neem tree in the ecosystem along the Tema-Akosombo Road, the speaker stressed the negative impact of tree cutting on the environment. Trees play a vital role in preventing erosion and addressing climate change. 

According to experts, Ghana's forest trees have been significantly impacted by human activities, resulting in the depletion of approximately 6.6 million hectares, which accounts for 80 percent of the country's land area. 


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