The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced significant gains in Ghana’s forestry and environmental restoration efforts, revealing that the government has reclaimed 1,535 acres of degraded mining land and restored 23,600 hectares of degraded landscape as part of its drive to reverse environmental degradation.
Presenting the Ministry’s mid-year performance at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister said the achievements reflect government’s determination to protect Ghana’s forests, restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen sustainable natural resource management.
A key highlight, he said, was the success of the Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, under which more than 31 million seedlings were planted in 2025 to restore degraded landscapes. Building on that progress, the Ministry has set a target of planting 30 million seedlings in 2026.
Hon. Buah also announced the revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144/234, a move that permanently restores the Achimota Forest to its original status as a protected forest reserve.
He described the decision as a major step towards safeguarding one of Accra’s most important ecological assets and preserving its environmental integrity for future generations.
On the fight against illegal mining, the Minister disclosed that joint security operations within forest reserves have led to the arrest of 258 suspects and the seizure or destruction of six excavators, 1,225 pumping machines and 765 Changfan machines used for illegal mining activities.
He further revealed that no Red Zones have been recorded in Ghana’s forest reserves since December 2025, describing the development as evidence of improved enforcement and sustained anti-illegal mining operations.
The Minister said government has also partnered with the private sector to reclaim degraded mining lands in the Ashanti Region, with another 1,500 acres targeted for restoration before the end of 2026.
Beyond environmental protection, Hon. Buah highlighted Ghana’s continued leadership in sustainable timber exports, announcing that the country issued 411 Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences during the first half of 2026.
He said the achievement reinforces Ghana’s position as the first African country authorised to export timber products to the European Union under the FLEGT licensing scheme.
The Minister also outlined ongoing investments in ecotourism, including the construction of a 120-seat picnic facility and 10-unit chalet at Shai Hills Resource Reserve, as well as a 20-room accommodation facility and restaurant at Mole National Park to improve visitor experience and promote nature-based tourism.
As part of efforts to create green employment opportunities, Hon. Buah announced that 2,719 Youth Forest Champions have been deployed nationwide to support tree nursery development, forest restoration and protection activities.
He said the Ministry remains committed to protecting Ghana’s natural heritage while creating sustainable jobs, restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting responsible management of the country’s forest resources.
