Akufo-Addo urges protection of our invaluable forests

President Nana Akufo-Addo has emphasised the importance of Africa’s forests to its people describing it as invaluable.

He said although the forest provides ecological, economic, and cultural benefits that are essential to our way of life, they are threatened by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

He encouraged leaders at the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation in Brazzaville, on Friday, 5 July 2024 to take decisive action to implement sustainable forest management policies, combat illegal activities, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

He suggested investing in research and technology to enhance understanding of forest dynamics is also crucial to improving reforestation efforts.

Making a case for Ghana, he said the West African country has made significant strides in forest restoration adding that since 2016, “we have established over one million hectares of forest plantations, enrichment planting, and native tree seedling projects.”

These efforts, he said, have created rural employment for thousands and supported food security through agroforestry initiatives.

Nana Akufo-Addo further said Ghana’s Green Ghana Day Initiative, launched in 2021, has seen the planting of over 52 million trees in just four years, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of citizens, schools, and the private sector.

Despite these achievements, he admitted much work remains.

“We need increased and dedicated financing to sustain our efforts. The tropical domain, home to nearly half of the world’s forests, cannot fund the required $393 billion annually alone. We must pool resources and incentivize local communities to protect forests,” he said.

He encouraged the gathering to think globally but act locally, prioritising environmental stewardship alongside development.

He indicated that Ghana remains committed to leading in forest conservation and restoration, thus helping to ensure a sustainable future for all.