Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies
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Item Assessment Of Effluent Quality At The University Of Ghana Hospital, Legon(University Of Ghana, 2018-12) Dolo, M.J.Hospitals effluent often contain chemical compounds which may have negative impact on the environment and human health if not properly treated. Investigations were conducted to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of effluent discharged from University of Ghana hospital into the environment and its effects on agricultural soils and vegetables. Water and soil quality analyses of some physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were carried out on effluent samples using standard methods over a three month period (WHO, 2010). Human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the potential risk on the consumption of vegetables irrigated with the effluent water. The results showed the following variations in physico-chemical parameters; EC (1522-2220 µS/cm), pH (8.2-8.8), TDS (947-1410.7mg/l) BOD (34.8-66.8mg/l) DO (0.8-1.4mg/l) COD (548-775.2mg/l), NO2-_N (0.24-0.45mg/l), NO3-_N (34.5-101.1mg/l), NH3-N,-(15.9-28.8mg/l) PO43-(6.3-9.8mg/l). The TC and E. coli also ranged from 3.120×103 - 4.582×103 cfu/100ml and 1.5×101- 2.9×101 cfu/100ml respectively. Lead and arsenic in water were below the recommended FAO guideline of 0.1 and 0.01mg/l respectively for water used for irrigation of vegetables. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and mercury however, exceeded the guideline. Mercury, nickel and chromium were above the FAO recommended guideline for Agricultural soils whilst Cd, Pb and As fell below the recommended limit. All the heavy metals in cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower in this study were all below recommended limit set by the FAO for vegetables wholesome for human consumption. The human health risk assessment of the vegetables revealed that the hazard index and Hazard quotient for cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower were all less than 1 which indicates that consumers are not at risk to the consumption of these vegetables in the short term. To prevent or reduce environmental effects and health risk associated with hospital effluent, adoption and utilization of decentralized wastewater technologies that are economically viable and efficient such as waste stabilization ponds are recommended to safeguard public health and prevent negative environmental effects.Item Evaluation of Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment of the New Bugesera International Airport Project in Bugesera District, Rwanda.(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Kamu, O.U.The need for effective public participation in development projects has been widely recognized due to the benefits gained from such involvement. However, public participation is frequently reported ineffective. This prohibits the environmental impact assessment of various projects from reaching the intended goal of safeguarding the environment. The study adopted a mixed methods approach to assess the level of public participation during the environmental impact assessment of the New Bugesera International Airport project. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to gather the primary data whilst reports together with literature were explored to obtain secondary data. The results of the study revealed that overall there was some level of public participation. The respondents were generally aware of the project and were provided with opportunities to participate and share their concerns. However, the research described this level of participation as “tokenism” whereby the public is given opportunities to participate with limited powers to actually influence the decision-making process. The research concludes that, for future effective public participation, members of the public must be informed early on the proposed project and their concerns should be put into account to influence the decision-making process of the project to avoid mistrust and also for the proponent to attain the sustainability of the project. The research recommends the establishment of feedback channels for public satisfaction, continuous training activities for environmental impact assessment consultants to learn and improve on various recognized weaknesses such as lack of social learning and proper participation guidelines. Finally, the research calls for the responsible organizations to ensure the orderly operation of participation exercise, for future effective public participation in the environmental impact assessment of projects in Rwanda. Key words: Public Participation, EIA, NBIA Project, Bugesera District, Rwanda.Item The Availability and Quality of Water Supply Sources in Peri-Urban Adentan, Ghana.(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Ankomah, F.O.Globally, urban growth has been increasing tremendously. This rapid growth has escalated the difficulties in water provision. The rate of urbanisation is also rampant in Sub-Saharan Africa and has led to peri-urban settlements. Access to water sources in such areas in developing countries has being a challenge. In Ghana, Adentan Municipality is one of the peri-urban communities where access to water supply has been a challenge over the years. This study therefore focused on determining the sources available, uses, access to these sources, physico-chemical and bacteriological quality and the source suitable for drinking. Household survey was done in 6 communities where 402 households were interviewed to access the necessary data such as sources mainly used for other purposes, drinking water source, access to water and cost. The results revealed a variety of water sources which included pipe borne, hand-dug well, rain harvesting, tanker service provision were used for cooking, washing, and other purposes. Pipe borne water was the most widely used source for other purposes while sachet water was used mainly (77.9% of all household) for drinking purposes. The financial analysis revealed that, household water expenditure was high due to expenditure on drinking water and water for other purposes. There were considerable variation in physico-chemical quality. With the exception of most boreholes and hand-dug wells across the communities, all other sources fluctuated within the expected limits. The sources were also identified to contain nutrients and bacteria not of faecal origin.Item Role of Government and Community in Landslide Risk and Vulnerability Reduction: A Case Study of Gakenke District, Rwanda.(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Nizeyimana, J.FThe frequency and the severity of landslides have increased in recent times globally, with serious implications for human lives and property, as well as national economies. In many disaster response initiatives, community-based disaster management approach is adopted as a quick solution to emergency response. This study was carried out in Gakenke District in the Northern Province of Rwanda, which is highly prone to landslide disasters. It investigated the role of government and local communities in landslide risk and vulnerability reduction. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from structured questionnaires, interviews and on-site observation. In total, 180 respondents participated in the questionnaire administration and an additional 10 disaster managers in interviews sessions. Quantitative data were input into SPSS software and analyzed using Chi-square and graphical techniques, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis technique. The study revealed that communities of Gakenke District have basic knowledge about landslides including warning signals, causes and effects of landslide disasters, as well as mitigation measures. Over half (54.71%) of respondents pointed to torrential rainfall as the main warning sign for the occurrence landslides in the district, The study revealed also that the major reasons for vulnerability to landslides are poverty, lack of awareness, sitting of buildings on sloppy areas, deforestation, quarrying activities and inappropriate building codes. The results further showed that though 94.71% of respondents were aware of areas classified as landslide-prone areas, as much as 31.29% still settled in these areas. On community/ government collaboration, 97.06% of the respondents confirmed that they collaborate with local government officials at different levels regarding landslide risk reduction. One major conclusion was that the communities and local government officials collaborate extensively at different levels to address issues related to landslide disaster awareness, emergency response and measure to reduce disaster risks. This collaboration has helped in reducing landslide disaster impacts in the Gakenke DistrictItem Assessment of Suitability of Sludge and Wastewater Quality in Waste Stabilisation Pond System in Accra-Ghana for Agriculture Purposes(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Adu-Ofori, E.The objective of this study is to analyse the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, evaluate the performance of domestic sewage ponds at Accra sewage treatment plant at Legon. The aim is to assess the suitability of the final effluent for irrigation and the quality of sludge for agriculture use. A total of 36 wastewater samples and forty-eighty (48) sludge samples were therefore taken for six (6) consecutive months from the sedimentation tank (inlet) and maturation pond (outlet) of the Legon sewage treatment plant at the University of Ghana Legon campus. The samples were preserved on ice and transported to the CSIR Water Research Institute for laboratory analysis. All the methods of analyses carried out were done according to procedures in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 2012, 22nd Edition). The wastewater quality parameters used to assess the treatment performance of the WSP were total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, phosphate and E. coli. The results of the laboratory analysis showed that theWSP achieved about 82.2, % 86.8, % 82.8%, 85.2%, 58.7% and 99.9% removal of TSS, BOD, COD, ammonia-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus and E.coli respectively. Even though removal efficiency of E.coli was high, it recorded a value of 153x103 cfu /100ml which could not meet the Ghana EPA acceptable standard of 10 cfu/100ml.At p≤ 0.05, there was a significant difference in the levels of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia-Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Phosphate, and E.coli between influent and effluent samples. The sludge as an organic matter can exert significant influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The heavy metals levels were generally acceptable when compared with the Limits for metals brought to agriculture land by sewage sludge in South Africa (SFS, 1998:944; Water Research Commission, 1997. Zinc in stream-1 anaerobic pond ranged from 12.3 to 80.0mg/kg with a mean of 64.7mg/kg. Similarly Zinc in stream-2 anaerobic pond ranged from 62.8 to 82.3 mg/kg with a mean of 69.9 mg/kg. The results show that total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium levels in the sludge are also generally satisfactory to produce organic compost (manure). Total nitrogen in stream-1 anaerobic pond ranged from 16800 to 19000 mg/kg with a mean of 17800 mg/kg. Total phosphorus ranged from 350 to 410 mg/kg with a mean of 380 mg/kg and total potassium 206 to 210 mg/kg with a mean of 210 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in the levels of heavy metals and the nutrients levels between the stream-1 and stream-2 ponds of the sludge quality at p≥ 0.05. The sludge which accumulates in the Legon sewage treatment plant can be used as a soil improver without posing any environmental hazards. It can be used in agricultural practice in order to maintain and improve soil fertility and crop yield.Item Evaluation of Landfill Effects on Soil and Water Sources, A Case Study of the Whein Town Sanitary Land Fill, Montserrado County-Liberia.(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Gibson, S.M.The study investigated the perceptions of the inhabitants of Whein Town on the effects of the activities of Whein Town Sanitary landfill in Monrovia, Liberia, and evaluated real time health hazards posed on the community. The Whein Town Engineered Landfill was developed with an integrated solid waste management motive. Even though the landfill lifespan expired at the end of 2016, active landfill activities are still ongoing. Liners may have deteriorated, thereby resulting in infiltration of leachates into ground and surface water sources, resulting in their contamination and consequent health attendants. Frequent flooding of adjoining agriculture lands by leachates from the landfill is perceived to have reduced the quality of the land for its intended purpose. Inhabitants of Whein town therefore have every justification to believe that the improperly sited landfill, which is currently over-aged and ill-managed, is responsible for most of their predicaments. The study was therefore conducted to verify the effects of the landfill on soils, water sources as well as health of inhabitants of Whein Township. Questionnaires were distributed to ascertain citizens’ perceptions on the effect of the landfill activities in the study area. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) were analysed on samples of potable water sources from hand-dug well and stream water (surface water) as well as leachates from the landfill’s wastes stabilization ponds. Calorimetric method was used to analyse the levels of 6 heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe) in the samples while Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the levels of the same heavy metals in soils samples. The potential ecological risk assessment method by Hakanson. L, (1980) was used to determine the level of contaminations of the soils by the heavy metals. The BOD and TDS levels were higher than WHO permissible limits while the heavy metals studied had appreciable levels to constitute contamination. It was inferred that leachates discharges were responsible for the contamination of the water sources. The results of heavy metal pollution assessment indicated that the mean contamination factor (Cf) values recorded for all the elements had a range of 0.0219mg/kg – 19.9506mg/kg and follows the descending order of: Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr. The degree of contamination (CD) index was 20.12mg/kg which indicated that there was considerable contamination by the heavy metals. The potential ecological risk assessment indices of single elements was in the descending order of Cd > Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn. Cadmium was the key influence factor causing the risk with its mean value as high as 601.73mg/kg. The range of the comprehensive potential ecological risk (RI) was 555.147mg/kg – 651.063mg/kg and which indicated a very strong degree of ecological pollution and damage in the soil. It is therefore recommended that a critical assessment of the performance of the landfill be performed to possibly enable its urgent decommissioning since it has over-lived its useful life span. Also, safe drinking pipe borne water should be supplied to the community to discourage inhabitants from harvesting from their present sources of drinking water and further, blood analysis should be conducted to evaluate heavy metals body burdens of the inhabitants of the study area and its environs. This will help to diagnose and prepare for the on-set of any heavy metal-associated disease.Item Assessment of Effluent Quality at the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Dolo, M.J.Hospitals effluent often contain chemical compounds which may have negative impact on the environment and human health if not properly treated. Investigations were conducted to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical qualities of effluent discharged from University of Ghana hospital into the environment and its effects on agricultural soils and vegetables. Water and soil quality analyses of some physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were carried out on effluent samples using standard methods over a three month period (WHO, 2010). Human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the potential risk on the consumption of vegetables irrigated with the effluent water. The results showed the following variations in physico-chemical parameters; EC (1522-2220 μS/cm), pH (8.2-8.8), TDS (947-1410.7mg/l) BOD (34.8-66.8mg/l) DO (0.8-1.4mg/l) COD (548-775.2mg/l), NO2-_N (0.24-0.45mg/l), NO3-_N (34.5-101.1mg/l), NH3-N,-(15.9-28.8mg/l) PO43-(6.3-9.8mg/l). The TC and E. coli also ranged from 3.120×103 - 4.582×103 cfu/100ml and 1.5×101- 2.9×101 cfu/100ml respectively. Lead and arsenic in water were below the recommended FAO guideline of 0.1 and 0.01mg/l respectively for water used for irrigation of vegetables. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and mercury however, exceeded the guideline. Mercury, nickel and chromium were above the FAO recommended guideline for Agricultural soils whilst Cd, Pb and As fell below the recommended limit. All the heavy metals in cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower in this study were all below recommended limit set by the FAO for vegetables wholesome for human consumption. The human health risk assessment of the vegetables revealed that the hazard index and Hazard quotient for cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower were all less than 1 which indicates that consumers are not at risk to the consumption of these vegetables in the short term. To prevent or reduce environmental effects and health risk associated with hospital effluent, adoption and utilization of decentralized wastewater technologies that are economically viable and efficient such as waste stabilization ponds are recommended to safeguard public health and prevent negative environmental effects.Item Strategic Environmental Assessment (Sea) as a Sustainability Tool for Policy and Decision Making: A Case of Forest Resource Management in the Abuakwa South Municipality of Eastern Region of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Oppong, J.C.Environmental degradation and the unsustainable exploitation of non-renewable resources continue to increase to satisfy socio-economic demands which call on a National Development Agenda to make use of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as sustainability tools imperative. The use of these tools is to balance environmental and economic sustainability with institutional capacity building, and social cohesion to direct the sustainable management of natural resources and development planning. A study to assess the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as a sustainability tool in managing the Atiwa Forest reserve and its resources is reported in this thesis. The Atiwa Forest reserve, located in the Abuakwa South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana, is one of the few primary highland forests in West Africa and the only remaining type in Ghana. It is also a biodiversity hotspot in the IUCN biodiversity conservation list, and serves as the source of 3 major rivers in Ghana; Birim, Ayensu and the Densu Rivers, which together serve the potable water needs of about 20% of Ghana’s population. The Atiwa Forest reserve is known to be holding a chunk of the nation’s minerals like bauxite, gold, diamond, and kaolin, which is currently being targeted by the Government for massive exploitation, especially bauxite, to drive the nation’s developmental agenda. Specifically, the study determined the readiness of the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly to mainstream SEA in the sustainable management of the natural resources of the Atiwa forest. Further, community perception on this level of sustainability of forest management was assessed, as well as rainfall and temperature variability in relation to forest cover. Finally, carbon stock of forest trees and soil were assessed in three land cover types as part of Ghana’s efforts to meet its intended Nationally Determined Contributions (iNDCs), an obligation in the Paris Agreement (2015). The research employed simple random and purposive sampling methodology for data acquisition, sought the knowledge of local communities and the formal institutions related to managing the resource as well. Landsat imagery was acquired for the years 1986, 2003 and 2017 to analyze the trend in land cover changes in Atiwa forest. Allometric standard methods were used to estimate tree biomass and carbon, necromass biomass and carbon and carbon stocks of soil (Chave et al. (2005); Pearson et al. (2005); Walkley-Black (2015) and Pearson et al. (2005). Expansion factor on per hectare scale and the potential carbon weight that could be lost to the atmosphere were estimated using the Walker et al. (2011) equation. A one-way ANOVA was performed to determine the mean differences between various environmental (ecological and social) parameters as well. Results indicate that SEA mainstreaming in the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly is being fairly implemented, with public participation, institutional capacity building (in operational logistics) as well as economic sustainability (alternative livelihood support projects) lacking. In addition, there is a significant improvement in forest cover (2003 to 2017) after a significant decline from 1986 to 2003. Further, the state of the forest has improved as of 2017 by a significant margin with a consequent improvement in tree carbon stocks between 1986 and 2017 although bare/settlement land continues to increase since 1986. Results from Pearson correlation between soil organic carbon and tree parameters (height, density per hectare and dbh) showed no significant correlation to the value of p˂ 0.01. The highest correlation was 0.950 tree density per hectare with the least value of tree height at 0.007. Similarly, simple and multiple regression analysis between soil carbon and tree parameters showed coefficient determinants to be 0.008 and 0.260. The highest adjusted R2 for coefficiency determination was 0.054 which was recorded for tree height only, tree height and tree density per hectare, tree height and diameter at breast height as well as tree height, diameter at breast height and density per hectare. The least adjusted R2 for coefficiency determination was recorded for tree density per hectare only at -0.015. Findings from the study, however, did not agree entirely with the progress and success of SEA specifically on the Atiwa Forest reserve management as indicated in the 2014-2017 Medium Term Development Plan report of the Abuakwa South Municipality. The report showed steady efforts in maintaining environmental sustainability which corroborated the findings of the study. Also, results on other pillars like social inclusion and institutional capacity building in conserving the forest reserve showed poorly in the findings of the study which did not corroborate the progress report of Abuakwa South Municipality for the 2014-2017 Medium Term Development Plan. The relationship between soil organic carbon stock, tree density per hectare, tree height and tree diameter at breast height were statistically not significant at 0.950, 0.007 and 0.88 respectively. These were similar to the findings of Zhou et al. (2012), Li et al. (2013) and Djagbletey (2015). The study concluded there is a fair level of implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessment in the management of natural resources within the Atewa Forest which was evident in the significant increase in forest tree stocks and its subsequent increase in tree and soil carbon stocks. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the Government must strengthen its economic sustainability framework to decrease extensive exploitation on the forest cover. Finally, benefits accrued from the conservation must be equitably shared with the forest communities to ensure social inclusion and promote participation in the efforts towards conservation of the forest.Item The Effect of Mining Activities on Smallholder Agriculture: The Case of Male and Female Farmers in the Mpohor Mining Area of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Ankomah, E.B.S.The study employed the sustainable livelihood approach to investigate the effect of mining activities on male and female smallholder farmers in the Mpohor District mining area. In addition, livelihood assets of smallholder farmers, heavy metal concentrations in farm soils, the livelihood strategies employed by the smallholder farmers and institutional support to the smallholder farmer in the management of the effect of mining activities were also assessed. Five communities namely; Mpohor, Adum Banso, Obrayebona, Mpohor Yabiw and Awunakrom within the mining area were selected for the study. The data collection tools used to assess the livelihood assets, effect of mining, livelihood strategies and institutional support were household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion and structured interviews. A total of 206 farmers were administered questionnaires, three focus group discussions were held and six structured interviews were conducted for relevant information. The findings of the study indicated that male smallholder farmers have relative advantage in the acquisition of all livelihood assets (human, social, natural physical and financial assets) than their female counterparts. The study further revealed that, mining has caused more negative effects on the natural, human and physical capital of the male smallholder farmers than the female farmers, but it has equal effect on the socio-economic assets of the male and female smallholder farmers. In the selected farm soils, the concentrations of Pb, As, and Hg measured were within the acceptable limits recommended by WHO/FAO, while the concentration of Cd in all the samples were above the acceptable limit by WHO/FAO. There was also strong positive correlation between As and Hg (r=0.84) and Pb and As (r=0.65). The livelihood strategies employed by the male smallholder farmers were similar to that employed by the female farmers. It included intercropping, selling of raw agriculture produce and wage employment. Formal and informal institutional support identified were the use of law enforcement agencies, compensation and education. The study recommends that mainstreaming gender issues in the agriculture sector must be done, taking into consideration the natural resources available to smallholder farmers as well as the socio-demographic context and livelihood assets of the female smallholder farmer.Item Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) As a Sustainability Tool for Policy and Decision Making: A Case of the Atiwa Forest Management in the Abuakwa South Municipality of Eastern Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Oppong, J.C.Environmental degradation and the unsustainable exploitation of non-renewable resources continue to increase to satisfy socio-economic demands which call on a National Development Agenda to make use of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as sustainability tools imperative. The use of these tools is to balance environmental and economic sustainability with institutional capacity building, and social cohesion to direct the sustainable management of natural resources and development planning. A study to assess the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as a sustainability tool in managing the Atiwa Forest reserve and its resources is reported in this thesis. The Atiwa Forest reserve, located in the Abuakwa South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana, is one of the few primary highland forests in West Africa and the only remaining type in Ghana. It is also a biodiversity hotspot in the IUCN biodiversity conservation list, and serves as the source of 3 major rivers in Ghana; Birim, Ayensu and the Densu Rivers, which together serve the potable water needs of about 20% of Ghana’s population. The Atiwa Forest reserve is known to be holding a chunk of the nation’s minerals like bauxite, gold, diamond, and kaolin, which is currently being targeted by the Government for massive exploitation, especially bauxite, to drive the nation’s developmental agenda. Specifically, the study determined the readiness of the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly to mainstream SEA in the sustainable management of the natural resources of the Atiwa forest. Further, community perception on this level of sustainability of forest management was assessed, as well as rainfall and temperature variability in relation to forest cover. Finally, carbon stock of forest trees and soil were assessed in three land cover types as part of Ghana’s efforts to meet its intended Nationally Determined Contributions (iNDCs), an obligation in the Paris Agreement (2015). The research employed simple random and purposive sampling methodology for data acquisition, sought the knowledge of local communities and the formal institutions related to managing the resource as well. Landsat imagery was acquired for the years 1986, 2003 and 2017 to analyze the trend in land cover changes in Atiwa forest. Allometric standard methods were used to estimate tree biomass and carbon, necromass biomass and carbon and carbon stocks of soil (Chave et al. (2005); Pearson et al. (2005); Walkley-Black (2015) and Pearson et al. (2005). Expansion factor on per hectare scale and the potential carbon weight that could be lost to the atmosphere were estimated using the Walker et al. (2011) equation. A one-way ANOVA was performed to determine the mean differences between various environmental (ecological and social) parameters as well. Results indicate that SEA mainstreaming in the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly is being fairly implemented, with public participation, institutional capacity building (in operational logistics) as well as economic sustainability (alternative livelihood support projects) lacking. In addition, there is a significant improvement in forest cover (2003 to 2017) after a significant decline from 1986 to 2003. Further, the state of the forest has improved as of 2017 by a significant margin with a consequent improvement in tree carbon stocks between 1986 and 2017 although bare/settlement land continues to increase since 1986. Results from Pearson correlation between soil organic carbon and tree parameters (height, density per hectare and dbh) showed no significant correlation to the value of p˂ 0.01. The highest correlation was 0.950 tree density per hectare with the least value of tree height at 0.007. Similarly, simple and multiple regression analysis between soil carbon and tree parameters showed coefficient determinants to be 0.008 and 0.260. The highest adjusted R2 for coefficiency determination was 0.054 which was recorded for tree height only, tree height and tree density per hectare, tree height and diameter at breast height as well as tree height, diameter at breast height and density per hectare. The least adjusted R2 for coefficiency determination was recorded for tree density per hectare only at -0.015. Findings from the study, however, did not agree entirely with the progress and success of SEA specifically on the Atiwa Forest reserve management as indicated in the 2014-2017 Medium Term Development Plan report of the Abuakwa South Municipality. The report showed steady efforts in maintaining environmental sustainability which corroborated the findings of the study. Also, results on other pillars like social inclusion and institutional capacity building in conserving the forest reserve showed poorly in the findings of the study which did not corroborate the progress report of Abuakwa South Municipality for the 2014-2017 Medium Term Development Plan. The relationship between soil organic carbon stock, tree density per hectare, tree height and tree diameter at breast height were statistically not significant at 0.950, 0.007 and 0.88 respectively. These were similar to the findings of Zhou et al. (2012), Li et al. (2013) and Djagbletey (2015). The study concluded there is a fair level of implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessment in the management of natural resources within the Atewa Forest which was evident in the significant increase in forest tree stocks and its subsequent increase in tree and soil carbon stocks. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the Government must strengthen its economic sustainability framework to decrease extensive exploitation on the forest cover. Finally, benefits accrued from the conservation must be equitably shared with the forest communities to ensure social inclusion and promote participation in the efforts towards conservation of the forest.