By The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has announced that more than 30 million seedlings have been planted under the government’s 2025 Tree for Life Initiative.
Speaking at the International Day of Forests on Thursday, March 19, at the Achimota Forest, the Minister described the initiative as a major step towards restoring degraded lands and strengthening the country’s economy.
The Minister described the Tree for Life Initiative as Ghana’s local response to this global shift, aimed at creating jobs and supporting 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 explained.
Providing details on the programme’s impact, Mr Buah said the results for 2025 show strong public participation.
“Against a target of 30 million seedlings, we successfully distributed and planted over 30 million seedlings,” he announced.
“More importantly, this was a people-powered achievement that created over 41,000 green jobs.”
He commended the contribution of young people, farmers and private sector players.
“We salute our over 2,000 youth forest champions, more than 20,000 farmers, and thousands in nurseries and the private sector who made this possible,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Minister said the government is maintaining its ambition for this year.
“For 2026, we are setting our sights just as high with another target of 30 million seedlings,” he said.
However, he cautioned that planting trees 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 said the programme goes beyond environmental protection and is tied directly to national development.
“The Tree for Life initiative is our boldest and most visible stride… transforming degraded lands into engines of prosperity and proving that the health of our forests and the health of our nation are one and the same,” he stated.
Mr Buah explained that this year’s International Day of Forests theme reflects Ghana’s experience and aligns with the vision of President John Mahama, who launched the initiative last year in Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
“Moving from the forest gateway of Nkawie to the urban lungs of Accra, we signal that the restoration of Ghana’s green heritage is a mission that spans every corner of our Republic,” he said.
The Minister said that forests should no longer be seen only as environmental assets, but also as drivers of economic growth.
“Forests are no longer just ecological treasures. They are powerful engines for national prosperity,” he said.
He pointed to the growing importance of the bioeconomy, where natural resources are used sustainably to support industries.
“This means sustainable timber production that feeds a high-value furniture industry, and non-timber forest products that support pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors,” he explained.
According to him, Ghana’s forest sector is already contributing significantly to the economy.
“Timber exports alone earn approximately 100 million euros annually, while local consumption of wildlife and forest products is valued at over $250 million,” he said.
Mr Buah also referenced discussions at the recent UN climate conference, COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, where he led Ghana’s delegation.
“At COP, the conversation shifted decisively. The global community reached a consensus that the era of mere promises is over. The era of performance has begun,” he said.
He added that countries like Ghana now have an opportunity to benefit financially from protecting their forests through carbon credit systems.
“We are witnessing a new economic reality where a standing, thriving tree is not just an ecological asset, but a financial one. These are not handouts, but payments for vital global services,” the Minister said.
He called for stronger efforts to protect young trees from threats such as bushfires, illegal logging, and illegal mining.
“We must protect these young trees… and we are tackling these challenges head-on with our forestry guards in collaboration with the security services,” he said.
