The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a six-member Forest Plantation Development Fund Board (FPDF) with a mandate to revitalize Ghana’s reforestation efforts through strategic fund management.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Buah stressed the critical role of the board in transforming the country’s forest landscape.
He said, through effective management of resources, the board would help create economic opportunities while restoring the environment for future generations.
He outlined the board’s key responsibilities, which include ensuring transparent and impactful use of resources, mobilizing private investment for plantation development, developing attractive incentives for private sector participation, promoting best practices in sustainable plantation techniques, financing innovative forestry projects, and monitoring compliance with national reforestation objectives.
The Minister charged the board to fast-track financial support for plantation projects, strengthen public-private partnerships in the forestry sector, and fully embrace the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative ahead of the 2025 planting season.
Responding on behalf of the board, Chairman Lawyer Isaac Essien pledged their commitment to the task ahead, describing their appointment as an act of national service rather than personal gain. He expressed confidence that with stakeholder cooperation, the board would deliver credible results to support the restoration of Ghana’s forest reserves.
Deputy Minister Yusif Sulemana also pledged the Ministry’s full support, noting that the board’s success would directly contribute to achieving Ghana’s climate resilience and green economy goals.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Lawyer Isaac Essien and includes Innocent Haligah, Acting Chief Director at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; Zakaria Sakara Ahmed; Wepia A. Awal Adugwala, representing the Peasant Farmers Association; Stephen Akwasi Boakye, representing the Aidoo Tree Growers Association; and Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, representing the Agricultural Development Bank.
The inauguration marks a significant step in Ghana’s broader climate action strategy, combining financial innovation with ecological restoration to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development.
Credit: CNR