Ghana has lost nearly half of its forest reserves due to illegal mining and logging, a situation that Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah describes as a national crisis requiring urgent intervention.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Mr Buah revealed that recent data presented to Parliament indicates that 44% of the country’s 288 forest reserves have already been destroyed.
“I stood in Parliament and said, ‘We are in a crisis.’ This is not about politics—it’s a national emergency,” he stated. “Out of 288 forest reserves, 44% have already been wiped out.”
He further disclosed that nine of these reserves have been categorised as “red zones” due to the severe damage they have sustained.
To combat this environmental destruction, the government, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces, is ramping up efforts to restore degraded lands. Initiatives such as the “Tree for Life” campaign are also being implemented to promote reforestation.
According to Mr Buah, these intensified measures are beginning to yield results, with seven of the nine “red zone” forests now downgraded to “yellow,” indicating reduced illegal activities and signs of recovery.
Despite these improvements, he cautioned that without continuous national support—particularly from communities living near forest reserves—further losses could occur. He emphasised that Ghana’s forests are not just a source of timber or biodiversity conservation but are essential to water security, climate stability, and economic livelihoods.
“This isn’t just about trees—it’s about the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the future of our country,” Mr Buah stressed.
He urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to actively participate in reforestation efforts. Additionally, he called for stricter legal action against those responsible for deforestation, including foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining and logging.
