Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting its forests and restoring degraded lands through a series of environmental and forestry initiatives.

Speaking at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the Minister outlined measures being implemented by Ghana to curb deforestation and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

According to him, government continues to roll out key interventions such as the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, the Forest Investment Programme, the Ghana REDD+ Strategy, and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme to preserve the country’s forest reserves and improve environmental sustainability.

Touching on the impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, Mr Buah stressed that the government remains determined to clamp down on the activity to safeguard forests and protect major water bodies across the country.

He described the battle against illegal mining as critical to Ghana’s environmental and national security interests, adding that authorities are focused on promoting responsible mining practices while rehabilitating damaged lands.

The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s progress in sustainable timber trade, revealing that the country issued its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence in August 2025.

The achievement makes Ghana the first African country and only the second in the world after Indonesia to issue the certification, which verifies that timber exports to Europe meet international standards for legality and sustainability.