Ghana has made significant strides in forest restoration but much work remains – Akufo-Addo

Ghana has made significant strides in forest restoration, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said.

Since 2016, he said the government has established over one million hectares of forest plantations, enrichment planting, and native tree seedling projects.

These efforts have created rural employment for thousands and supported food security through agroforestry initiatives, he said.

President Akufo-Addo wrote on his Facebook page that “Our Green Ghana Day Initiative, launched in 2021, has seen the planting of over 52 million trees in just four years, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of citizens, schools, and the private sector.”

Despite these achievements, much work remains, Mr Akufo-Addo further stated.

“We need increased and dedicated financing to sustain our efforts. The tropical domain, home to nearly half of the world’s forests, cannot fund the required $393 billion annually alone.

“We must pool resources and incentivize local communities to protect forests. Let us think globally but act locally, prioritizing environmental stewardship alongside development. Ghana remains committed to leading in forest conservation and restoration, thus helping to ensure a sustainable future for all,” he said.

Last Friday, 5th July 2024, at the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation in Brazzaville, President Akufo-Addo told African leaders to take decisive action to implement sustainable forest management policies, combat illegal activities, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

Mr Akufo-Addo said investing in research and technology to enhance our understanding of forest dynamics is also crucial to improving our reforestation efforts.

Mr Akufo-Addo said he had the honour of addressing a remarkable gathering of leaders dedicated to preserving our planet’s forests.

“Our forests are vital ecological assets and an integral part of our heritage and identity. We must protect and restore them for future generations,” the President wrote on his Facebook page after the event.

In Africa, he added, “our forests are invaluable.”

“They provide ecological, economic, and cultural benefits that are essential to our way of life. However, they are threatened by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

“As leaders, we must take decisive action to implement sustainable forest management policies, combat illegal activities, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems. Investing in research and technology to enhance our understanding of forest dynamics is also crucial to improving our reforestation efforts,” the President stressed.