As global forest loss accelerates, the economic cost is becoming harder to ignore. The Resource Conservation Initiative (RESCONI) is warning that forests are not just environmental assets but a critical foundation for jobs, exports and rural livelihoods in Ghana making their continued degradation a direct threat to economic stability.
Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Forests, Programme Officer for RESCONI, Madam Akosua Pokua Boakye underscored forests’ central role in national development and the survival of millions who depend on it.
She said the forestry sector continued to play an important role in national development through employment creation, export earnings and support for small-scale economic activities that depend on forest resources.
Madam Boakye made the remarks at the 2026 commemoration of the International Day of Forests, organised by RESCONI with student-led awareness activities aimed at highlighting the economic and environmental value of forests.
According to her, forests contribute significantly to employment in Ghana, supporting more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, while also generating export earnings and supporting businesses involved in timber, non-timber forest products and environmental services.
She explained that globally, forests support more than 1.6 billion people and host over 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity, making them not only an environmental asset but also an important economic resource that supports industries and livelihoods.
“In Ghana, the forestry sector plays a key role in employment and export earnings, especially for rural communities where forest resources are often the main source of income,” she said.
Madam Boakye added that non-timber forest products such as mushrooms, medicinal plants, bushmeat and fuelwood continue to support income generation, food security and healthcare for many households, particularly in forest-dependent communities.
She noted that Ghana’s economy, which relies heavily on natural resources and rain-fed agriculture, is closely linked to the sustainability of forest ecosystems, warning that continued degradation could have serious implications for agricultural productivity and rural economic stability.
As part of the commemoration, RESCONI, in collaboration with the Renewable Natural Resources Students Association of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), organised an inter-programme quiz competition and media engagement activities to raise awareness about sustainable forest management and its economic benefits.
The competition brought together students from Forest Resource Technology, Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science programmes to deepen their understanding of forestry, climate change and sustainable resource use.
Tahiru Saani, a third-year student from the Forest Resource Technology programme, said the activities had helped students better understand the economic importance of forests and encouraged greater youth involvement in conservation efforts.
At the end of the competition, Forest Resource Technology emerged winners and received GH₵700, learning materials and certificates, while Natural Resource Management placed second with GH₵300.
Environmental Science students also received educational materials and certificates.
RESCONI reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, youth capacity building and advocacy, and called on stakeholders to support sustainable forest management to protect forest resources and sustain the economic benefits they provide.
