<p>Rainforests are among the most vital ecosystems on Earth, storing carbon, stabilising global climate, and supporting more than half of all terrestrial species. Although they cover less than 6% of the planet’s surface, their ecological value is immeasurable.<br>Below is an expertly organised guide to the world’s 10 largest rainforests, their locations, and the remarkable biodiversity they hold.</p><h2>The world’s 10 largest rainforests</h2><h3>1. Amazon Rainforest (South America)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763577039135-h6k8a2tevk.jpg" alt="Amazon Rainforest" data-credit="Amazon Rainforest | Credit: Fotos593" title="Amazon Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana<br>Size: 5.5 million sq km</p><p>The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth and remains unmatched in scale and biodiversity. Stretching across nine countries—60% of it in Brazil—the Amazon contains an estimated 390 billion trees and produces roughly 20% of the world’s oxygen.<br>It is home to millions of species, including jaguars, macaws, river dolphins and over 2.5 million insect species. More than 400 Indigenous tribes also inhabit the forest, maintaining centuries-old ecological knowledge.</p><h3>2. Congo Rainforest (Central Africa)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763577129964-pxvfnpj431b.jpg" alt="Congo Rainforest" data-credit="Congo Rainforest | Photo courtesy of jbdodane" title="Congo Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: DRC, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, CAR, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon<br>Size: 1.8 million sq km</p><p>The Congo Basin is the world’s second-largest rainforest and Africa’s most significant natural treasure. Known as one of Earth’s “lungs”, it absorbs vast amounts of carbon and influences rainfall across the continent.<br>It hosts endangered species such as mountain gorillas, forest elephants, okapis and bonobos. Over 75 million people depend directly on its resources.</p><h3>3. New Guinea Rainforest (Oceania)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763577306915-gughwqine2c.jpg" alt="New Guinea Rainforest" data-credit="New Guinea Rainforest© Brent Stirton / Getty Images" title="New Guinea Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Papua New Guinea, Papua &amp; West Papua (Indonesia)<br>Size: 288,000 sq km</p><p>This is the world’s largest island rainforest and one of the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. Its isolation has produced exceptional biodiversity and some of the highest endemism rates globally.<br>New Guinea is home to birds of paradise, cassowaries, tree kangaroos and more than 20,000 plant species, including thousands of orchids.</p><h3>4. Sundaland Rainforest (Southeast Asia)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763577449860-00zn5se7yjsw.jpg" alt="Sundaland Rainforest" data-credit="Sundaland Rainforest | By: Javarris Sterling" title="Sundaland Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, S. Thailand<br>Size: 197,000 sq km of remaining rainforest</p><p>Historically vast, Sundaland’s rainforests are now fragmented due to agriculture and palm oil production.<br>Yet, they remain one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, sheltering orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and rare plant species.</p><h3>5. Mekong Rainforest (Mainland Southeast Asia)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578857405-togkc431ztk.jpg" alt="Mekong Rainforest" data-credit="Mekong Rainforest | via rainforestcruises.com" title="Mekong Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam<br>Size: 190,000 sq km</p><p>The Greater Mekong rainforest forms a crucial ecological corridor that supports tigers, elephants, Indochinese leopards and the ultra-rare saola.<br>Over 1,200 new species have been discovered here since 1997, highlighting its conservation importance.</p><h3>6. Tropical Rainforests of Australia</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578009917-1nq12kzryqt.jpg" alt="Daintree Rainforest, Queensland" data-credit="Daintree Rainforest, Queensland | Creator: Picasa 2.7 " title="Daintree Rainforest, Queensland" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Queensland (Wet Tropics &amp; Daintree regions)<br>Size: 9,000 sq km</p><p>Although smaller in size, Australia’s Wet Tropics are among the world’s oldest rainforests, dating back 180 million years. The Daintree Rainforest, where forest meets the Great Barrier Reef, contains ancient plant families and unique species such as cassowaries and forest dragons.</p><h3>7. Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578186457-uhdbyk3yax.jpg" alt="Atlantic Rainforest " data-credit="Atlantic Rainforest | Creator: Rhett A Butler  Copyright: MONGABAY" title="Atlantic Rainforest " width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina<br>Size: 148,000 sq km remaining (from 1.3 million sq km originally)</p><p>The Atlantic Forest is one of Earth’s most biodiverse yet endangered ecosystems. Despite losing nearly 90% of its original cover, it still hosts golden lion tamarins, woolly spider monkeys, and thousands of endemic plants.<br>Its proximity to major Brazilian cities makes conservation challenging.</p><h3>8. Valdivian Temperate Rainforest (South America)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578405480-i35bk6o5tam.webp" alt="Valdivian Temperate Rainforest" data-credit="Valdivian Temperate Rainforest | Copyright: Juan Vilata | Dreamstime.com" title="Valdivian Temperate Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Chile, Argentina<br>Size: 248,000 sq km</p><p>This temperate rainforest is known for dense vegetation, constant rainfall, and ancient tree species such as alerce, which can live over 3,600 years.<br>Unique wildlife includes the pudú (world’s smallest deer) and the monito del monte, a rare marsupial considered a “living fossil”.</p><h3>9. Pacific Northwest Rainforest (North America)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578632646-az1kx1kowmv.jpg" alt="Oregon rainforest" data-credit="Oregon rainforest | Creator: Richard Wong" title="Oregon rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California<br>Size: 73,000 sq km</p><p>Famous for some of the tallest trees on Earth, including Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, this rainforest thrives on heavy coastal rainfall.<br>Its ecosystem is heavily supported by salmon runs that feed bears and eagles and even enrich the soil with nutrients carried from the ocean.</p><h3>10. Madagascar Rainforest (East Africa)</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1763578731129-6ex3pvullw7.png" alt=" Madagascar Rainforest" data-credit=" Madagascar Rainforest" title=" Madagascar Rainforest" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Location: Eastern Madagascar<br>Size: 50,000 sq km remaining</p><p>Madagascar’s rainforests are globally iconic for their extreme endemism—90% of wildlife here exists nowhere else.<br>Species such as lemurs, fossas, unusual chameleons, and ancient plant families make it one of the planet’s most irreplaceable ecosystems.<br>However, deforestation poses an existential threat, placing Madagascar among the world’s highest conservation priorities.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The world’s largest rainforests are more than carbon sinks—they are living libraries of evolution, cultural heritage, and ecological resilience. Protecting them is not only essential for biodiversity but also for the stability of the global climate and human survival.<br>From the immense Amazon to the ancient forests of Australia and the fragile rainforests of Madagascar, each of these ecosystems stands as a reminder of what we must preserve for future generations.</p><p></p>

World’s 10 largest rainforests and where they are found

<p>President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the state of customer service in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry, warning that poor service delivery is undermining the country’s ability to attract and retain tourists.</p><p>Speaking during a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/we-have-averted-dumsor-john-mahama">presidential media encounter</a>, Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s natural beauty and cultural appeal but stressed that negative customer experiences continue to overshadow the nation’s potential as a top travel destination.</p><p>“One of the things that affects tourism in Ghana and West Africa is that our service [is] poor. You go to a restaurant, and they think that they are doing you a favour. You go to eat, and they think that you owe them, you know, to serve you,” he said.</p><p>He contrasted Ghana’s situation with other parts of the world where service providers actively engage customers and create a welcoming environment that encourages spending.</p><p>“If you go to other parts of the world, it's completely different. They are compelled to spend your money because they are all over you. Even before you finish the drink that they have given you, you are halfway. ‘Can I bring you another drink?’ And if you are the shy type and always say, ‘Oh yes, yes,’ and you forget that you have to pay for it,” Mahama added.</p><p>The former president also criticised the tendency of some business owners to prioritise family connections over professionalism when hiring staff, arguing that this undermines service standards.</p><p>"You spend so much money [to] set up an establishment, [but] instead of going for professionals, you will call your relatives from the village to come and serve people; they pay, and they can't even get their change. You can't find the waiter who took your money. And where you find him, he says, ‘Oh, we have no change.’ I mean, they have a certain sense of entitlement,” he said.</p><p>Mahama emphasised that until there is a shift in attitude and proper training in customer service, Ghana’s tourism sector will continue to struggle to reach its full potential.</p><p>“We have a beautiful country. People come, and I mean, they just say, 'This country is good,' but if you hear a lot of the feedback and you say, 'But what is negative about it?' Oh, your service is not the best. “Always, I mean, that’s the feedback that comes,” he noted.</p><p>While calling for government involvement, he stressed that the private sector must also take responsibility by prioritising customer satisfaction and investing in skilled staff.</p><p><strong><em>By: Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo</em></strong></p><p></p>

Poor service delivery is hurting Ghana’s tourism – Mahama

<p>Africa is home to some of the most vibrant and fast-growing cities in the world. While rapid urbanisation often brings challenges such as traffic congestion and waste management, several African cities have distinguished themselves as clean, well-organised, and environmentally sustainable.</p><p>These cities not only maintain aesthetic appeal but also provide healthier living conditions, attract tourists, and improve residents’ quality of life. This guide explores the 10 cleanest cities in Africa, highlighting their sanitation practices, urban planning, and sustainability initiatives.</p><h2>What Makes a City “Clean” in Africa?</h2><p>Clean cities in Africa are defined by more than tidy streets. Effective urban cleanliness includes waste management, public sanitation, environmental policies, community participation, and sustainable infrastructure. Cities that excel in these areas often enforce plastic regulations, maintain green spaces, implement regular street cleaning, and run public awareness campaigns. Clean urban centres are also more attractive to tourists, investors, and residents, enhancing economic opportunities and liveability.</p><h2>1. Kigali, Rwanda</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614250887-a09cnb93ou4.jpg" alt="Kigali City" data-credit="Kigali City via Shutterstock Photos" title="Kigali City" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Kigali is widely recognised as Africa’s cleanest city due to its strict policies and strong civic engagement. The country banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in 2008, significantly reducing litter across the capital. Kigali’s monthly <em>Umuganda</em> clean-up initiative actively involves citizens in maintaining public spaces. The city’s urban planning emphasises clean streets, green parks, and well-maintained infrastructure. Kigali’s model demonstrates how governance, community engagement, and urban planning can foster long-term urban cleanliness.</p><h2>2. Port Louis, Mauritius</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614387140-gt9j7cd0out.jpg" alt="Port Louis" data-credit="Port Louis" title="Port Louis" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Port Louis, Mauritius, combines scenic island charm with disciplined urban sanitation. The city maintains clean streets, markets, and waterfronts through efficient waste management and recycling programmes. Regular public maintenance and beautification initiatives contribute to its reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest cities. Port Louis illustrates how economic resources and tourism-driven policies can enhance urban sanitation and liveability.</p><h2>3. Gaborone, Botswana</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614468152-1z1nlld2n9a.jpeg" alt="Gaborone" data-credit="Gaborone" title="Gaborone" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Gaborone stands out as an example of disciplined urban management. Strict anti-littering laws, regular waste collection, and green urban spaces keep the city orderly and environmentally friendly. Residents participate actively in community clean-up initiatives, showing that civic engagement is as crucial as municipal efficiency. Gaborone proves that even smaller capitals can achieve exceptional cleanliness.</p><h2>4. Windhoek, Namibia</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614606240-pfmb1pucuhh.jpg" alt="Windhoek" data-credit="Windhoek | Photo credit Shutterstock" title="Windhoek" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Windhoek ranks among Africa’s cleanest cities thanks to strategic urban planning and proactive sanitation programmes. The city has well-organised recycling initiatives, and its streets, sidewalks, and public spaces are consistently maintained. Civic engagement further ensures that Windhoek remains clean and orderly. This city exemplifies how infrastructure and community culture combine to create sustainable urban hygiene.</p><h2>5. Tunis, Tunisia</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614791008-80hucqwpgmh.webp" alt="Tunis" data-credit="Tunis" title="Tunis" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Tunis merges historical heritage with modern cleanliness practices. Wastewater management systems, clean streets, and well-maintained parks characterize the city. Municipal regulations discourage littering and promote environmental responsibility. Tunis demonstrates that a city can preserve its historical appeal while maintaining high standards of sanitation.</p><h2>6. Cape Town, South Africa</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764614880269-9ci6mmsplov.webp" alt="Cape Town" data-credit="Cape Town" title="Cape Town" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Cape Town is celebrated for its natural landscapes and organised urban environment. Structured waste management, street cleaning, and well-kept parks contribute to its reputation as a clean city. Tourism-driven sanitation policies ensure that public areas remain attractive, enhancing both liveability and economic appeal. Cape Town showcases the synergy between urban planning, environmental stewardship, and community responsibility.</p><h2>7. Johannesburg, South Africa</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764615340845-zfv3c1lw2j9.jpg" alt="Johannesburg | Photo via Bloomberg/Getty Images" data-credit="Johannesburg | Photo via Bloomberg/Getty Images" title="Johannesburg | Photo via Bloomberg/Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Despite being a sprawling urban centre, Johannesburg maintains cleanliness in key areas through municipal cleaning programmes, green initiatives, and public space maintenance. Recycling programmes complement waste collection, ensuring that even a large metropolis can uphold cleanliness standards. Johannesburg illustrates that megacities can achieve sustainable sanitation with consistent policy enforcement and civic participation.</p><h2>8. Nairobi, Kenya</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764615031782-z71d2128z9p.webp" alt=" Nairobi" data-credit=" Nairobi" title=" Nairobi" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Nairobi faces challenges from fast urban growth, yet several areas demonstrate visible cleanliness. Targeted waste management in business districts and tourist zones, coupled with green spaces and public awareness campaigns, ensures orderly streets. Nairobi highlights that rapid population growth does not preclude effective sanitation when governance and citizen involvement align.</p><h2>9. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764615120958-pi0paq8enbb.jpg" alt="Dar es Salaam" data-credit="Dar es Salaam" title="Dar es Salaam" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, has emerged as one of the cleanest cities in Africa, showcasing a remarkable urban transformation. Until a few years ago, the city faced typical waste management challenges, including littered streets, clogged drainage systems, and informal dumping.</p><p>The turning point came with the World Bank-supported Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project, which modernised solid waste management across the city. This initiative improved garbage collection, proper disposal, and community participation in maintaining public cleanliness.</p><h2>10. Accra, Ghana</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1764615205816-mcaa7lkpvrm.webp" alt="Accra" data-credit="Accra" title="Accra" width="auto" height="auto"></div><p>Accra has made remarkable progress in improving urban cleanliness and sustainability. Government-led clean-up campaigns, coastal sanitation projects, and beautification efforts reduce litter and enhance public spaces. Waste management reforms and recycling initiatives further support cleanliness. Accra’s example proves that even rapidly growing West African capitals can achieve cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.</p><p></p>

10 Cleanest Cities in Africa

<p>The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has dismissed viral allegations on social media suggesting it replaced the culturally significant greetings “Akwaaba” (Akan) and “Woezor” (Ewe) with “Oobakɛ” (Ga) on signage at the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.</p><p>In an official statement responding to the controversy, the GTA clarified that it has not authorised or instructed any such replacement.</p><p>“At no point has the Ghana Tourism Authority ordered or approved the replacement of the culturally significant greetings ‘Woezor’ (in Ewe) and ‘Akwaba’ (in Akan) with ‘Oobakɛ’. These inscriptions remain preserved and respected as part of Ghana's diverse cultural heritage,” the Authority stated.</p><h2>GTA Distances Itself from Alleged Changes</h2><p>According to the GTA, any modifications to signage at the park require prior consultation and approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other relevant agencies. The Authority emphasised that it has no knowledge of any alterations and urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating online.</p><h2>How the Controversy Started</h2><p>The debate began when photos of new signage at the Memorial Park went viral. Some social media users criticised the display of “Akwaaba” and “Woezor” without the inclusion of “Oobakɛ”, which means <em>“Welcome”</em> in Ga, the local language of the Greater Accra Region, where the park is located.</p><p>Critics argued that since the park sits on Ga land, the Ga greeting should have been included or highlighted. Others, however, defended the inscriptions, noting that “Akwaaba” is nationally recognised, while expressing concerns over the inclusion of “Woezor” without “Oobakɛ”, calling it culturally insensitive.</p><p>The debate intensified after another image surfaced days later, allegedly showing updated signage featuring “Oobakɛ” in place of the original greetings. It remains unclear who made this alteration or whether it had any official approval.</p><h2>GTA Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Unity</h2><p>In its closing remarks, the GTA reassured the public of its dedication to promoting unity and cultural diversity, describing the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as a <em>“symbol of national pride and unity.”</em></p><p><strong>By: Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo</strong></p><p></p>

GTA refutes claims of replacing cultural inscriptions at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

**By Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo **


The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has strongly dismissed recent accusations levelled against the sector Minister by a social media personality. 

According to the Ministry, the claims are entirely false, misleading, and calculated to tarnish the Minister’s reputation and undermine the work of the Ministry.

In a statement released over the weekend, the Ministry responded to a video making rounds on social media in which the Minister was accused of being disrespectful and unprofessional during a public engagement. 

The Ministry categorically denied the allegations, describing them as “wholly unfounded and gravely misleading.”

The statement emphasised that the Minister has always conducted herself with humility, professionalism, and a high sense of responsibility. 

It added that her interactions with stakeholders, industry players, and the public have been anchored on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the growth of Ghana’s tourism, culture, and creative sectors.

The Ministry noted that since assuming office, the Minister has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage, supporting creatives, and enhancing the country’s global image as a leading tourism destination. 

Her dedication, according to the Ministry, is evident in the successful initiatives and engagements she continues to lead across the country.

Expressing disappointment at the growing trend of misinformation online, the Ministry condemned the deliberate attempts by certain individuals to misinform the public for personal gain or social media clout. 

It warned that such actions could damage reputations, discourage investment, and disrupt ongoing progress within the sector.

The Ministry called on the individual involved to issue an unqualified apology and urged the public to disregard the misleading claims. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, open communication, and professionalism in all dealings.

In conclusion, the Ministry encouraged all Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at preserving, promoting, and celebrating the country's rich cultural identity while upholding respect and truth in public discourse.

## Statement from the Ministry

![Ministry of Tourism statement](https://zodidixpxznfsopxdhyr.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/f22a8f30-2274-49ff-90aa-14fcef067d96/1754402537777-jvekiz76y0d.jpg)


Lifestyle

World’s 10 largest rainforests and where they are found

Poor service delivery is hurting Ghana’s tourism – Mahama

10 Cleanest Cities in Africa

GTA refutes claims of replacing cultural inscriptions at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Tourism Ministry denies false allegations against minister