Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has announced that more than 30 million seedlings were planted under the government’s 2025 Tree for Life Initiative.
Speaking on Thursday, March 19, at Achimota Forest during the International Day of Forests, Mr. Buah described the initiative as a major step toward restoring degraded lands while boosting Ghana’s economy.
He called the programme Ghana’s local response to a global movement, highlighting its potential to create jobs and support 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,” he said.
The Minister revealed that 2025 targets were exceeded thanks to strong public participation.
“Against a target of 30 million seedlings, we successfully distributed and planted over 30 million. More importantly, this was a people-powered achievement that created over 41,000 green jobs,” he said, commending youth champions, farmers, and private sector players.
“We salute over 2,000 youth forest champions, more than 20,000 farmers, and thousands of nursery workers and private sector partners who made this possible,” he added.
Looking ahead, the government has set an equally ambitious goal for 2026.
“For this year, we are aiming to plant another 30 million seedlings,” he said.
However, Mr. Buah stressed that planting is only the first step.
“We must do more than plant. We must nurture, because a seedling is a promise and a mature tree is a legacy,” he said.
He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond environmental protection, linking forest restoration directly to national development.
“The Tree for Life Initiative transforms degraded lands into engines of prosperity, proving that the health of our forests and the health of our nation are inseparable,” he said.
The Minister explained that this year’s International Day of Forests theme reflects Ghana’s experience and aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who launched the initiative last year in Nkawie, Ashanti Region.
“From the forest gateway of Nkawie to the urban lungs of Accra, restoring Ghana’s green heritage is a mission that spans every corner of our Republic,” he said.
Mr. Buah called on citizens to view forests not only as ecological treasures but also as engines of economic growth.
“Forests are no longer just ecological assets. They are powerful drivers of national prosperity,” he said, noting the growing role of the bioeconomy in sustainably supporting industries.
“This includes sustainable timber production for a high-value furniture sector, and non-timber forest products that support pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries,” he explained.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s forest sector is already a significant economic contributor.
“Timber exports alone earn about €100 million annually, while local consumption of wildlife and forest products is valued at over $250 million,” he said.
He also highlighted Ghana’s role at the recent UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, where he led the country’s delegation.
“At COP, the global conversation shifted decisively. The era of mere promises is over; the era of performance has begun,” he said.
Mr. Buah stressed that countries like Ghana can now benefit financially from protecting forests through carbon credit systems.
“We are witnessing a new economic reality where a standing, thriving tree is both an ecological and a financial asset. These are not handouts, but payments for vital global services,” he said.
Finally, he urged stronger measures to protect young trees from threats such as bushfires, illegal logging, and illegal mining.
“We must safeguard these seedlings, and we are tackling these challenges head-on with our forestry guards in collaboration with security services,” he said.