The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), in partnership with the Forestry Commission and with support from Zijin Golden Ridge Ghana and other partners, has commissioned a five-year project to restore 50 hectares of degraded forest at the Subri River Forest Reserve in Sekyere Krobo in the Western Region.
Commissioned on October 29, 2026, the initiative forms part of MIIF’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Biodiversity Reforestation Project, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen biodiversity conservation in Ghana’s mining regions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MIIF Chief Executive Officer, Justina Nelson, said the initiative reflected the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that the economic benefits of mineral resources were matched by responsible environmental stewardship.
“The true value of our nation’s mineral wealth lies not only in what we extract today, but also in the natural heritage we preserve for generations to come,” she said.
Mrs Nelson said the project’s success would not be measured solely by the number of trees planted, but by the extent to which the forest was restored and protected over time.
She stressed that achieving this would require sustained care, effective monitoring and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
The Forestry Commission is providing technical expertise and implementation support to guide the rehabilitation process and promote the long-term survival of the restored forest.
The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Dr Sarfo Adu, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration and effective forest management in achieving successful restoration.
He said the Commission would provide technical guidance and implementation support to ensure that the restoration activities were properly managed and the planted trees survived to support the forest’s long-term recovery.
Dr Adu also urged other corporate organisations to partner with the Forestry Commission to help restore Ghana’s degraded forest landscape.
He said such partnerships would support the government’s Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on March 21, 2025.
Community participation key to sustainability
The Paramount Chief of Sekyere Krobo, Nana Kwao Badu II, commended MIIF and its partners for the initiative, particularly the involvement of farmers in the restoration exercise.
He called on the Forestry Commission to work closely with participating farmers to ensure they also benefited from their efforts to nurture and protect the trees.
He noted that recognising the role and livelihoods of local communities would encourage a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility for the forest.
Nana Kwao Badu II also expressed appreciation to MIIF for providing farm tools to support participating farmers and appealed for additional assistance for forest guards to strengthen protection of the reserve.
His remarks highlighted the importance of linking environmental restoration with community livelihoods and effective forest protection.
Partnership for forest restoration
The five-year initiative brings together MIIF, the Forestry Commission and corporate partners in a collaborative effort to address forest degradation, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental practices.
MIIF acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, corporate Ghana, traditional authorities, the District Assembly and the people of Sekyere Krobo.
Through the restoration of 50 hectares of degraded forest, the Fund is seeking to strengthen responsible mineral wealth management and ensure that environmental protection remains an integral part of Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.
