Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Forest Protection at World Forest Day Celebration
Story by: Maurice Otoo
The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting and preserving Ghana’s forests as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s environment and natural resources.
Speaking on Kessben Maakye with Kojo Preko Dankwa, the spokesperson to the Minister for Forestry and Natural Resouces , Mahmoud Kabore emphasized the importance of forests to the country’s survival, noting that forests play a crucial role in sustaining water bodies and maintaining environmental balance.
He indicated that , the current administration has seen renewed efforts to safeguard the country’s forest reserves and reverse the damage caused by illegal mining and unsustainable practices.
Kabore noted that although the 2025 World Forest Day was marked with grief, fear and pain due to the impact of previous policies that negatively affected Ghana’s forests, the government has taken decisive steps to turn the situation around.
He revealed that Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462, which previously allowed activities that led to forest degradation through illegal mining, has been repealed to prevent further invasion and destruction of forest reserves.
Kabore further announced that nine forest reserves that were earlier declared “no-go areas” for illegal mining have now been fully protected. These include Offin Shelter Belt, Densere, Aseneyo, Subri and Aflao Hills, among others.
He also disclosed that Ghana has secured a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence, enabling the country to legally export timber to international markets after nearly 27 years of negotiations.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the government is promoting aggressive tree planting to replace destroyed forests. Kabore said authorities have introduced a modified Taungya System, also known as the “Trees for Life” initiative, to encourage communities to participate in reforestation while supporting livelihoods.
He stressed that the government will continue to implement policies that enhance forest growth, protect reserves and ensure responsible management of Ghana’s forest resources.
