The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has taken a decisive step toward restoring Ghana’s degraded landscapes with the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, a flagship program aimed at reversing the devastating effects of illegal mining and deforestation.
Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Nkawie, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, stressed the urgent need to combat environmental destruction and promote sustainable land use.
He emphasized that the government is committed to reclaiming mined-out areas and restoring them to their natural state.
Tree for Life initiative
“This initiative will breathe new life into our forests, strengthen biodiversity, and protect our water bodies. By promoting sustainable reforestation, we are securing a greener future for Ghana,” he stated.
The Tree for Life initiative, officially launched by President John Mahama, is designed to transform degraded lands into ecologically productive landscapes.
The program includes distributing seedlings to farmers for intercropping in cocoa farms and implementing the Modified Taungya System (MTS), which allows farmers to grow food crops in degraded forest reserves while restoring tree cover.
To further strengthen conservation efforts, the government will recruit youth as Forest Champions, who will be responsible for tree planting, maintenance, fire patrols, and land restoration.
Additionally, the private sector is expected to contribute significantly by planting over 7,000 hectares of trees during the rainy season.
The selected trees will include fruit-bearing species, timber, and multipurpose trees to enhance biodiversity and economic value.
“This is not just about planting trees—it’s about restoring livelihoods, protecting our climate, and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving environment,” the Minister affirmed.
With illegal mining and environmental degradation posing significant threats to Ghana’s natural resources, the Tree for Life initiative is a major step toward sustainable environmental management and national resilience.