Forest inventory and diversity assessments are essential to understand the tree population structure and
diversity status of forests and to provide information for biodiversity recovery planning. But, unfortunately,
the vast majority of forests in developing countries lack inventory data, particularly the dry forests
and savanna woodlands where timber potential is considered to be low. Consequently the tree population
structure and diversity status of these forests are often insufficient for sound management. In this
study, the structure and composition of tree species were studied in a dry semi-deciduous forest in Afram
plain, Ghana. The site’s status in terms of level of degradation/disturbance was also determined. Twolong
rectangular plots (each 20 m 2000 m) were established, 200 m apart, in five locations within a
40-hectare (ha) area. Each of the plots was sub-divided into 20 quadrats (20 m 100 m). All tree species
P10 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were identified and their diameters over bark measured at
1.3 m. The forest condition was scored and habitat types classified. In total 44 tree species with 831 individuals
belonging to 25 families were recorded at the study site. This corresponds to an average of 21
trees ha1 of which 17 had dbh 630 cm. Trees with dbh P70 cm were less than one tree ha1 (mean
0.8 ha1). The Simpson (0.06) and Shannon (4.52) indices reveal a poorly stocked and less diverse forest.
Five species (Lophira sp., Daniellia oliveri, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Terminalia glaucescens and Ficus sur)
accounted for 50% of the total individuals recorded with the Fabaceae being the most species-rich family
recording 22% of all the species in the studied area. Tree basal area (1 m2 ha1) and volumes (13 m3 ha1)
were at least 49% lower than national means for dry semi-deciduous forest to which the study sites
belong. Based on basal area cover, D. oliveri was the single dominant species. The mean forest condition
score was 5.7 and vegetation cover type was largely open forests with less than 2% forest cover. These
results suggest the area is highly degraded and the loss of biodiversity may be more significant than previously
thought. This would indicate a need for rehabilitation interventions and doubling of conservation
management efforts in the area. Three pathways of intervention have been recommended: (a) protecting
intact native forest and ecological corridors, and undertaking enrichment riparian plantings to protect
waterways, (b) developing agroforestry practices for biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems, and
(c) establishing plantations in the severely degraded areas.