The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has underscored the critical role forests play in driving Ghana’s economy, urging a shift in how the country values its natural resources.
Delivering a statement in Parliament to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Forests, which is celebrated annually on 21st Match, the Minister described this year’s theme, “Forests and Economies,” as a call to rethink humanity’s relationship with nature.
“It invites us to recognize forests not merely as resources to be extracted and exhausted, but as living assets—complex ecosystems that, when managed sustainably, can generate enduring wealth,” he stated.
He emphasized that forests are no longer just ecological treasures but powerful engines of national prosperity, noting that they support over 1.6 billion livelihoods globally and contribute billions of dollars annually to the world economy.
Also read: ‘Diarrhea’ prepaid meter crisis – Minority slams govt’s continued silence after probe
The Minister revealed that timber exports alone generate about €100 million annually, while local consumption of forest and wildlife products exceeds $250 million each year.
“Forests regulate rainfall patterns, protect watersheds, and maintain soil fertility,” he added.
He noted that forest reserves and national parks continue to attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting local economies.
The Minister referenced Ghana’s participation in global climate discussions, including COP30 in Brazil, stressing the growing economic value of forests through carbon markets.
“We are witnessing the emergence of a new economic reality where a standing forest is not just an ecological asset but a financial one,” he said.
Ghana, he said, made history in August 2025 as the first African country and second globally to issue a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license for legally produced timber exports to Europe.
According to him, Ghana successfully planted over 30 million trees last year, creating more than 41,000 jobs, stressing that the target for 2026 is another 30 million seedlings to planted across the country.
Contributing to the statement, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah, questioned the lack of transparency in government-led forestry initiatives.
He raised concerns about funding received in 2024, including nearly $100 million from international partners, and demanded updates on how those resources have been utilized.
“We shouldn’t be proud as a country that we’ve lost over 80% of our forest cover,” he cautioned.
On the other hand, the MP for Afadjato South, Frank Afriyie, commended government efforts to reclaim degraded forest areas.
According to him, more than nine forest zones previously declared no-go areas have been reclaimed while water bodies are showing incremental signs of recovery.
He praised President Mahama’s commitment to tackling illegal mining but called for broader support for communities actively preserving their forests.
“We have a collective responsibility… we cannot degrade our environment and expect it to keep serving us,” he added.