‎Tree for Life Initiative Creates Over 41,000 Jobs; 30 Million Seedlings Planted — Government Sets New Target for 2026

 ‎Tree for Life Initiative Creates Over 41,000 Jobs; 30 Million Seedlings Planted — Government Sets New Target for 2026

‎By Mary Bempah

‎The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic transformation through large-scale reforestation, describing trees not only as ecological assets but also as critical financial resources.

‎Delivering a speech at the launch of the 2026 edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative and the commemoration of the International Day of Forests, the Minister highlighted the growing importance of forest conservation in unlocking global climate financing through verified carbon credits.

‎He explained that countries such as Ghana that demonstrate strong commitment to protecting and restoring forests stand to access significant financial flows from international climate funds.

‎“These are not handouts, but payments for essential global services, particularly carbon sequestration,” he stressed.

‎Hon. Buah described the Tree for Life initiative as Ghana’s domestic vehicle for achieving this goal, while also creating sustainable economic opportunities for citizens. He noted that the programme is positioning reforestation as a viable economic pathway for the youth and rural communities, contributing to the country’s transition to a green and resilient economy.

‎He further explained that by restoring degraded lands, Ghana is building a “green asset base” capable of generating carbon credits, attracting green investment, creating high-value jobs, improving air quality and supporting climate regulation.

‎Touching on achievements, the Minister described the results of the 2025 implementation phase as remarkable. Against a target of 30 million seedlings, the country successfully distributed and planted over 30 million seedlings nationwide.

‎The initiative, he said, has also created more than 41,000 green jobs. Over 2,000 Youth Forest Champions played a key role in the exercise, alongside 1,000 farmers engaged under the Modified Taungya System. He also acknowledged the contribution of the private sector to the success of the programme.

‎Looking ahead, Hon. Buah announced that the Government has set another ambitious target of 30 million seedlings for 2026 but cautioned that planting alone would not be sufficient.

‎“A seedling is a promise, but a mature tree is a legacy,” he stated, stressing the need to nurture and protect planted trees to full maturity.

‎He indicated that efforts were underway to safeguard young trees from threats such as bushfires, illegal logging and illegal mining activities. Forestry guards, in collaboration with security agencies, have been tasked to intensify protection measures across the country.

‎The Minister further called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, urging them to continue their stewardship over community lands and sacred groves.

‎He also challenged the private sector to view sustainability not as a cost, but as a strategic long-term investment.

‎In concluding his address, Hon. Buah emphasised that tree planting represents hope, while forest protection secures the nation’s future and strengthens its economic foundation.

‎“A nation that destroys its forests destroys itself,” he said, adding that forests serve as the lungs of the country by purifying the air and sustaining life.

‎He officially launched the 2026 edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative and declared the 2026 International Day of Forests duly commemorated.