Natural Resources of Okyeman- an Overview

Biodiversity in all its forms sustains tremendous socio-economic and cultural interests of millions of people all over the world. Increasing human population has resulted in proportional increase in the demand for natural resources for the sustenance of human development needs. Unsustainable pattern of utilization of biodiversity in most parts of the world has necessitated the need for new thinking in the management of biodiversity. One key approach to managing these resources is through community-based approaches as opposed the classic approach to managing natural resources. The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area (Okyeman) in the Eastern Region of Ghana offers some lessons on community approaches in managing natural resources. Okyeman is one of the ecologically endowed areas in Ghana. The Traditional Area boasts of rich biodiversity including endemic, rare and globally threatened fauna and flora as well as diverse landscape of aesthetic value. Atewa Range Forest Reserve, one of the ecologically unique sites in Ghana is a prominent feature in the traditional area which is a home to many of the fauna and flora resources of the traditional area. However, these have in recent times come under intense pressure from illegal and unsustainable exploitation. This situation has compromised the ecological and biological integrity of Okyeman. Recognizing the need to reverse the situation, the traditional council has in recent times taken the initiative to use the existing traditional structures to enhance natural resource governance in the area. This chapter gives an overview of the current status of natural resource of the traditional area, highlighting on their importance to local people and the need for sustainable exploitation of these resources