Ghana's issues

Today's blip is meant to explain some issues in Ghana, partly related to my thesis. The focus of the image is not the man walking in front of me (who is my main contact at the University of Legon), but the differences between left and right. The only reason the left is still a forest, is because it was declared 'sacred' by the community. All other land in Ghana is being deforested and developed in worrying speeds. Part of the reason, I am sure, is the land-use and property rights system, which allows you to do anything with the land (or the trees on that land, for that matter) you wish. In some circumstances it is even allowed to cut down the trees on your neighbour's or any other's land. And because no land in Ghana is owned by the government, but by the traditional stools in the country, every part is rapidly being used for either building on or farming. Only the national parks, such as Mole, are safe (well, as long as no illegal activites are going on), but they are becoming islands in a sea of human activity.

This is the Akuapem hills near Accra, a mountainous area where Accra people retreat to in the weekends and the more wealthy Ghanaians have their second homes. The University's guy's father is actually the village chief, with a house with the most fabulous view.

NL - JPN 1-0 :-)
GH - AUS 1-1 :-|

Two more backblips today!