The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has detailed Ghana’s commitment to halting deforestation and reversing environmental degradation through robust forest protection initiatives.
Speaking at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, the Minister outlined several key strategic frameworks currently in operation, including the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, the Forest Investment Programme, the Ghana REDD+ Strategy, and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme.
Addressing the critical overlap between mining and conservation, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate illegal mining, locally termed galamsey.
He emphasised that protecting forests and water bodies from these activities is a matter of “national survival,” reiterating a dedication to sustainable mining practices and the restoration of degraded landscapes to promote a greener environment.
A significant milestone in this effort was reached in August 2025 when Ghana issued its first FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) licence.
This achievement distinguishes Ghana as the first African nation, and only the second globally after Indonesia, to implement the scheme.
The Minister stated that every timber product exported to Europe now carries verified proof of legality and sustainability, marking a major step forward for the region’s environmental credentials.
”Every timber product we now export to Europe carries verified proof of legality and sustainability,” the Minister stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
