By Zobia Zulfqar 
A major forest restoration initiative backed by the European Union is set to restore more than 14,000 hectares of degraded forest land across Ghana while creating new economic opportunities for thousands of rural residents.
The Ghana Forest Restoration Grant Scheme aims to rehabilitate damaged landscapes in the country’s High Forest and Savanna ecological zones while strengthening local livelihoods through sustainable land management practices.
The programme is expected to directly benefit approximately 20,000 farmers and rural community members, with particular emphasis on supporting women and young people.
The initiative aligns with the government’s “Tree for Life” programme, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in partnership with the Forestry Commission to promote nationwide reforestation and environmental conservation.
To assess progress under the scheme, the European Union recently hosted a high-level event at the Subri River Forest Reserve, one of the key locations benefiting from the restoration programme.
The gathering brought together government officials, traditional leaders, community members, development partners, environmental organizations, and beneficiaries involved in the project. Participants reviewed early achievements and discussed strategies to accelerate restoration efforts across the country.
The event coincided with activities under the “Tree for Life” initiative, a nationwide campaign that encourages Ghanaians to protect the environment and promote sustainable land use. Building on the success of Green Ghana Day, the campaign focuses not only on tree planting but also on ensuring long-term tree survival, community ownership, and ecosystem restoration.
The Ghana Forest Restoration Grant Scheme is funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Forest Institute (EFI) through the EU Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme.
The project adopts a community-centered approach that actively involves local residents in planning and implementation. Organizers believe that combining scientific expertise with local knowledge will improve the long-term success of restoration efforts.
The initiative seeks to restore degraded lands through a combination of agroforestry, natural regeneration, and large-scale tree planting activities. Four organizations have been selected to lead the restoration projects: Goshen Global Vision, Nature and Development Foundation, Proforest, and World Vision Ghana.
Each organization is working closely with local community partners to deliver project activities and ensure that restoration efforts reflect the needs of the communities involved.
Beyond environmental restoration, the programme includes several livelihood enhancement initiatives designed to improve household incomes and strengthen local economies. These activities include beekeeping projects, seedling production, and community finance programmes that provide additional income-generating opportunities for participating households.
Speaking at the event, the European Union’s Head of Cooperation in Ghana, Silvia Severi, highlighted the broader significance of the programme.
“The EU support for these projects is part of our broader EU Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme, a €6 million initiative aimed at promoting deforestation-free cocoa production, sustainable land use, and climate resilience,” she said.
She emphasized the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s environmental and development goals.
“The European Union is proud to stand alongside Ghana in this effort, not just as a partner, but as a firm believer in the power of community-led restoration to transform landscapes and lives,” she added.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson also praised the initiative, noting that the programme extends beyond environmental conservation.
“These projects are not only restoring landscapes, they are supporting communities to build sustainable futures. By creating new livelihood opportunities and strengthening local capacities, this initiative will ensure that restoration efforts deliver lasting benefits on the ground,” he said.
Executive Director of Goshen Global Vision, Mary Perpetua Kwakuyi, stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving successful restoration outcomes.
“These projects are proof that sustainable and resilient forests can only be built through collective action, bringing together government, civil society, and local communities united by a common goal,” she said.
The restoration projects will run from late 2025 through 2027 and are expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s efforts to combat deforestation, restore degraded landscapes, promote climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods.
Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed the importance of community-driven solutions in achieving the country’s forest restoration ambitions while supporting sustainable economic development across affected regions.
Source: thebftonline.com