No abstract

Background: The destruction of vegetation cover is among the main factors contributing to climate variation. The study investigated the distribution of trees, shrubs and herbs in the mined and unmined communities of Bontefufuo namely: Esaase, Manhyia, Aboabo and Mpatuam. The research was intended to determine the relationship between the spatial distribution of vegetation, composition and examine the effects of vegetation loss in the area. A total of forty 40 plots (10 m x 10 m) were studied. In each community, five (5) plots were studied each for mined and unmined areas. Results: The mean numbers of plant population were determined and analyzed using ANOVA. There were significant differences among the tree, shrub and herb populations at P < 0.05. The number of shrubs and trees population was reduced in the mined areas in relation to the areas that are not mined. Herbs were overwhelming within the mined regions and were found to be much higher than within the unmined regions. Photographic images showed that the practices of illicit small-scale mining contributed to land destruction by compacting the topsoil and accumulation of laterites. Conclusion: Climate change issues still remain a global concern and vegetation cover which plays an imperative role in regulating the carbon dioxide concentration of the atmosphere should be restored.