The European Union (EU) has launched a GHC 31 million Forest Restoration Grant Scheme to support four major projects in Ghana’s Ahafo, Bono East, Upper East, and Western Regions. The initiative, part of the EU Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme, was officially unveiled at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) in Kumasi.
The funding will enable Proforest, World Vision, Nature and Development Foundation, and Goshen Global Vision, alongside local partners, to restore 5,000 hectares of degraded forest and improve the livelihoods of 20,000 farmers and rural residents in Ghana’s High Forest and Savanna zones. Projects will focus on agroforestry, natural regeneration, tree planting, and integrated landscape management, while linking restoration to income-generating activities like beekeeping, eco-enterprises, and community savings schemes.
EU officials emphasised that forest restoration is a “nature-based solution” vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. EFI, which oversees the grant scheme, will ensure sustainability, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with Ghanaian institutions, civil society, and local authorities.
Stakeholder engagement, including consulting communities on tree species and project decisions, was highlighted as essential for success. The launch also featured a tree-planting ceremony and training on best practices, gender inclusivity, and monitoring.
Ghana’s forests face pressures from agriculture, illegal mining, logging, and wildfires. Through this initiative, the EU aims to support national frameworks such as the Forest and Wildlife Policy, Landscape Restoration Strategy, and the “Tree for Life” campaign. The projects are expected to deliver measurable results by 2027, reinforcing Ghana’s sustainable forest management and local empowerment efforts.
Discover more from Hot Stories Ghana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
