Faith and Conservation: The Battle to Save Ghana’s Atewa Forest | Seth Appiah-Kubi’s Testimony

What would you do if protecting people’s water, wildlife, and livelihoods meant taking your own government to court?

Seth Appiah-Kubi of A Rocha Ghana shares how Christians and local communities responded when a 2019 Ghana–China loan agreement opened the door to bauxite mining in the Atewa Forest—home to over 1,100 plant species, endemic wildlife, 77% of Ghana’s butterflies, and more than 30% of its birds, and the headwaters of three river systems serving millions. Through prayer, community consultation, scientific research, international advocacy, and ultimately legal action, their faith-driven campaign helped delay the forest’s destruction while pressing for alternatives like ecotourism, carbon finance, and national park status—seeking a balance between national development and the wellbeing of people and creation.