The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says government has intensified enforcement measures against illegal logging and illegal mining as part of efforts to protect Ghana’s forests and strengthen sustainable natural resource management.
Speaking at an international forestry session, Mr. Buah stated that Ghana is also diversifying forest financing through innovative mechanisms aimed at supporting long-term forest restoration and conservation efforts.
According to him, the country has aligned its forestry policies and interventions with the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, which promotes sustainable forest management, restoration and conservation globally.
The Minister said Ghana remains committed to demonstrating that forest protection, restoration and sustainable financing can work together to support environmental sustainability and economic development.
Mr. Buah highlighted ongoing national initiatives, including the Tree for Life restoration programme, under which more than 30 million trees were planted over the past year through reforestation, enrichment planting and assisted natural regeneration activities.
He also referenced Ghana’s progress in sustainable timber governance, noting that the country became the first in Africa and the second globally after Indonesia to issue a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence in August 2025.
According to him, the certification ensures that timber products exported from Ghana to Europe carry verified proof of legal and sustainable origin.
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening forest governance and improving accountability within the natural resources sector while advancing climate and environmental goals.
