The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management in Ghana with the launch of four major forest restoration projects aimed at rehabilitating 5,000 hectares of degraded landscapes across Ahafo, Bono East, Upper East, and Western Regions.
The GH₵31 million (€2.4 million) initiative, unveiled at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), is part of a broader €24 million EU grant scheme under the EU Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme.
The programme is implemented by the European Forest Institute (EFI) to support community-based and non-profit organisations engaged in forest restoration across both High Forest and Savanna ecological zones.
Ghana’s forests face mounting pressures from agricultural expansion, illegal mining, uncontrolled logging, and recurrent wildfires.
The EU-backed projects aim to address these threats through agroforestry, farmer-managed natural regeneration, tree planting, and integrated landscape management.
Collectively, the four projects target the restoration of 5,000 hectares of degraded forest while building the capacity of 20,000 farmers and rural households.
Special focus will be placed on empowering women and youth, strengthening community resilience, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in forest-dependent areas.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Paulina Pozycka, Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development at the EU Delegation to Ghana, said the investment underscores the EU’s long-term partnership with Ghana on environmental sustainability.
“The EU is committed to supporting Ghana’s vision for sustainable forest management and restoration. This grant scheme demonstrates our dedication to inclusive development, local empowerment, and climate resilience,” she said.
EFI will play a key role in supervising project implementation and facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Mr. Tim Dawson, Programme Manager for EFI under the EU Sustainable Forest and Cocoa Programme, said the institute is committed to ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the restoration investments.
“EFI is honoured to implement this important grant scheme and to work alongside Ghanaian institutions, local organisations, and communities. We aim to deliver lasting impact for Ghana’s forests, people, and future generations,” he said.
Dr. Lucy Amissah, Deputy Director of FORIG, said the project would enhance stakeholders’ collective efforts toward environmental sustainability and reaffirmed FORIG’s commitment to promoting sustainable forest management in Ghana.
Officials note that the initiative will significantly strengthen Ghana’s climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and progress towards national and international environmental commitments.
Through continued collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, the EU-supported projects are expected to deliver long-term benefits for degraded ecosystems and safeguard the future of Ghana’s forests.
