The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, has disclosed that more than 350 private companies and individuals are actively participating in commercial forest plantation projects across Ghana’s forest reserves.
Speaking during the 2026 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative at West Africa Senior High School on June 5, Dr. Brown said the growing involvement of private investors demonstrates increasing confidence in Ghana’s efforts to restore degraded forests while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The event, held under the theme “Forests and Economies,” highlighted the critical role forests continue to play in supporting livelihoods, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
According to Dr. Brown, most of the commercial plantation projects are focused on timber production and the emerging carbon credit market, which is attracting growing interest from investors seeking environmentally sustainable ventures.
He noted that the forestry sector delivered strong economic performance in 2025, supplying approximately 952,000 cubic metres of timber and timber products to both local and international markets. The products generated an estimated $260 million in revenue, underscoring the sector’s importance to Ghana’s economy.
Dr. Brown explained that forestry remains a significant contributor to job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial development, adding that sustainable management of forest resources is essential for maintaining these benefits.
He also highlighted the increasing popularity of ecotourism across the country. According to him, wildlife parks and forest reserves recorded nearly 800,000 visitors in 2025, representing a growth of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year.
Despite these positive developments, Dr. Brown expressed concern over the continued destruction of forests through illegal activities, deforestation, and land degradation, particularly within Ghana’s high forest zones.
He warned that the ongoing loss of forest cover threatens biodiversity, wildlife habitats, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of communities that depend heavily on forest resources.
The Forestry Commission boss called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private investors, civil society organizations, and local communities to protect and restore Ghana’s forests for future generations.
Touching on restoration efforts, Dr. Brown revealed that Ghana successfully restored about 23,600 hectares of degraded and deforested land in 2025 through enrichment planting and forest plantation development initiatives.
He described the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative as a key component of the country’s broader strategy to combat environmental degradation, promote sustainable forest management, and create long-term economic opportunities through responsible forestry practices.
Dr. Brown emphasized that continued investment in forest restoration will be crucial in addressing climate change challenges while supporting economic growth and environmental conservation nationwide
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