Lands Minister touts Ghana's superior forest management credentials at UN

Ghana’s renewed forest management efforts are actively safeguarding nature and preserving the country’s generational legacy, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah made the declaration, noting that Ghana is deliberately pursuing global environmental commitments, including the United Nations’ Global Forest Goals.

He is also serving as Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

Speaking at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), held from May 11 to 15, 2026, in New York, the Minister said Ghana is implementing concrete actions and nationwide restoration initiatives to protect its forest cover.

According to him, the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is translating environmental commitments into practical results across key global forest objectives.

“Ghana is not just turning commitments into concrete actions, but building realistic buffers with nationwide restoration of forests,” he said.

He further described Ghana as a leading country in sustainable forest governance, citing ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment while strengthening the timber sector.

The Minister highlighted that in August 2025, Ghana issued its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license, making the country the first in Africa and the second globally after Indonesia to do so.

“Every timber product we now ship to Europe carries verifiable proof of legal and sustainable origin,” he stated.

“That’s transparency, that’s accountability, that’s Ghana leading by example,” he added, drawing applause from the international audience.

He also noted intensified government efforts to combat illegal logging and irresponsible mining, stressing that enforcement actions have been strengthened in recent years.

“We have also intensified enforcement against illegal logging and mining,” he said, adding that visible progress is being made in protecting Ghana’s forests.

The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to global environmental sustainability and responsible natural resource management as part of its broader development agenda.