Ghana is home to a rare treasure – the Bosumtwi impact crater, one of only 190 confirmed impact crater sites worldwide. This ancient crater, formed around 1.07 million years ago, offers unparalleled opportunities for studying impact processes, climate history, and planetary evolution.
The crater’s well-defined basin and prominent crater rim make it an ideal target for space research. However, its sustainability is under threat due to illegal mining activities. As part of a recent study, researchers discovered that the features of the Bosumtwi impact crater can be used to understand how rampart craters form on Mars and Venus.
The crater’s cultural significance extends beyond its scientific value, holding importance for the Ashanti people of Ghana. The lake at its centre serves as a sacred site and spiritual landmark, supporting eco-tourism and local livelihoods. However, the illegal mining operations pose severe threats to the environment and sustainability of the crater.
To address this issue, enhanced satellite monitoring is required to track illegal mining, deforestation, and environmental changes. Stricter enforcement of mining bans and community engagement programmes will also be necessary to preserve the crater’s unique attributes for future generations.
Immediate action is needed to protect Ghana’s rare meteorite impact crater from irreversible damage. The loss of this geological wonder would not only represent a national tragedy for Ghana but also a blow to global scientific heritage.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/earth/ghana-has-a-rare-treasure-a-crater-made-when-a-meteor-hit-earth-why-it-needs-to-be-protected