Ghana expands reforestation efforts with over 30 million seedlings

Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has announced that more than 30 million seedlings were planted under the 2025 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative. 

He said the initiative marked a significant step towards restoring degraded lands and strengthening the economy. 

Mr Buah made the announcement in Accra on Friday at the launch of the second edition of the initiative to mark the International Day of Forests, observed on March 21, on the theme “Forests and Economies.” 

He said the theme reflected Ghana’s experience and aligned with the vision of President John Mahama, who launched the initiative in Nkawie in the Ashanti Region in 2025. 

“Moving from the forest gateway of Nkawie to the urban lungs of Accra, we signal that the restoration of Ghana’s green heritage is a mission that spans every corner of our Republic,” he said. 

Mr Buah described the initiative as Ghana’s response to global trends, aimed at creating jobs and supporting rural communities. 

“By restoring our degraded lands, we are creating a green asset base that can generate carbon credits, attract green investment, and create high-value jobs. 

“Against a target of 30 million seedlings, we successfully distributed and planted over 30 million seedlings. 

“More importantly, this was a people-powered achievement that created over 41,000 green jobs,” he said. 

Mr Buah commended youth forest champions, farmers, nursery operators and private sector actors for their contributions. 

“For 2026, we are setting our sights just as high with another target of 30 million seedlings,” he said. 

Mr Buah said the initiative was a major step towards transforming degraded lands into productive assets and improving national well-being. 

“The forests should no longer be seen only as environmental assets but also as drivers of economic growth…Timber exports alone earn approximately 100 million euros annually, while local consumption of wildlife and forest products is valued at over $250 million,” he said. 

Mr Buah called for intensified efforts to protect young trees from bushfires, illegal logging and illegal mining. 

Ms Priya Gujadhur, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, said the theme of this year’s Forest Day highlighted the role of forests as drivers of economic growth, livelihoods and resilience. 

“The FAO commends Ghana for its strong leadership, particularly through the Tree for Life Initiative, launched by President Mahama in 2025, with the support of FAO’s Deputy Director-General for Africa, Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel,” she said. 

Ms. Gujadhur said the initiative demonstrated Ghana’s commitment to restoring degraded landscapes while creating jobs and opportunities. 

“We are working with national partners to promote sustainable wood value chains and improve efficiency and create decent jobs. 

“We are supporting non-timber forest products such as shea, honey, and medicinal plants, helping communities diversify incomes,” she said. 

Source: GNA