Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Makes Strides in Forest Conservation

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Ghana's Minister of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, has revealed that the country's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has made significant progress in forest conservation during the first half of 2026. Key achievements include the restoration of approximately 23,600 hectares of degraded landscapes through the Tree for Life Restoration Initiative.

The Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to restore degraded forest reserves and mined-out areas. Between 2025 and 2026, about 31 million seedlings were planted, with success rates ranging between 50-78% recorded in the Northern Savannah Zone and 65-85% recorded in the High Forest Zone. This restoration of degraded landscapes has a significant impact on Ghana's aggressive environmental restoration agenda.

To support implementation, the Forestry Commission has engaged and deployed 2,719 Youth Forest Champions, who are actively involved in nursery operations, seedling production, site preparation, tree planting, plantation maintenance, wildfire prevention, and protection of forest reserves.

In addition to the Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, the Ministry has taken steps to address illegal mining in forest reserves. Enforcement operations resulted in the seizure of equipment, arrest of suspects, and destruction of structures. This effort has led to a decrease in illegal mining activities in forest reserves.

The Ministry is also working on a legislative instrument to give effect to the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). This instrument will provide legal backing and operational guidelines for Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs), which has now become a model for engaging communities and landowners in sustainable forest management.

Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources continues to work with stakeholders to build a natural resources sector that delivers lasting benefits for present and future generations.

The Ministry's efforts in forest conservation are a significant step towards achieving Ghana's economic transformation agenda. The country's natural resources sector contributes immensely to national revenue mobilization, job creation, industrial development, environmental sustainability, and overall wellbeing of citizens. By working together with stakeholders, the Ministry aims to build a natural resources sector that delivers lasting benefits for present and future generations.

As Ghana continues to work towards sustainable management and utilization of its natural resources, the Ministry's progress in forest conservation serves as a model for other African countries. The country's efforts in this area demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource governance.

The Ministry's Tree for Life Restoration Initiative has received support from Corporate Ghana and other stakeholders. This collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. By working together, the Ministry and its stakeholders aim to create a greener and more prosperous Ghana for future generations.

Ghana's Minister of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, has expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued partnership and support. This collaboration is essential in achieving the country's sustainable development goals and ensuring a better future for all Ghanaian citizens.

The Ministry's efforts in forest conservation are a testament to Ghana's commitment to environmental sustainability. By working together with stakeholders, the Ministry aims to build a natural resources sector that delivers lasting benefits for present and future generations.

Image description: A photo of a Ghanaian forest with

a group of people planting trees