Forest loss and land-use transformation in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: Integrating remote sensing, political ecology and socio-ecological perspectives

Abstract

This study examines forest loss and land-use/land-cover (LULC) change in Ghana's Ashanti Region from 1990 to 2020 using remote sensing, socio-ecological systems (SES), and political ecology frameworks. Landsat images from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were classified into seven LULC types: Closed Forest, Open Forest, Cropland, Grassland, Settlement, Water, and Mining, using Maximum Likelihood Classification. Classification accuracy was validated with confusion matrices and statistical metrics. Spatial trends were interpreted within SES and political ecology contexts, drawing on demographic and governance data. Results show a 26.6% decline in Closed Forest and an 8.1% decline in Open Forest over 30 years, alongside pronounced gains in Cropland (119.8%) and Settlement (approximately 767%). Mining emerged as a distinct category by 2020, occupying 13,077.11 ha. Major transitions were observed at the intersection of forest, agriculture, settlement, and extraction areas. Although statistical causal relationships between LULC changes and factors such as population growth, agriculture, mining, and governance were not established, these drivers are discussed as influential. The Ashanti Region has experienced extensive landscape changes driven by shared ecological, socioeconomic, and governance pressures. The study advocates multidimensional forest governance strategies that merge digital monitoring, participatory process socio-ecological systems, sustainable agriculture, land-use planning, and institutional cooperation. Recommendations include routine spatial monitoring, integrated policies, and greater community involvement to mitigate forest loss and resolve land-use conflicts.