Ghana generated approximately $260 million from timber and timber product exports as well as domestic sales in 2025, highlighting the forestry sector’s significant contribution to government revenue and economic growth, Mr Hugh Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, has said.
He said a total of 952,000 cubic metres of timber and timber products were supplied to local and international markets during the year, while ecotourism sites located in wildlife parks and forest reserves attracted about 800,000 visitors, representing a growth of more than 20 per cent compared to the previous year.
Mr Brown made the disclosure at the launch of the 2026 edition of the Tree for Life (T4L) Reforestation Initiative in Accra, held as part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day celebration.
According to Mr Brown, Ghana’s forests continue to play a critical role in the country’s socio-economic development, with about 20 percent of the population depending directly or indirectly on forest resources for livelihoods, food security and healthcare.
He said Ghana’s forest cover is estimated at 6.4 million hectares, accounting for about 27 percent of the country’s total land area. Of that figure, approximately 1.02 million hectares are classified as closed-canopy forests, while 5.37 million hectares are categorised as open forests.
Mr Brown noted that beyond timber production, forests support key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture.
He explained that forest ecosystems provide favourable microclimatic conditions that are essential for cocoa production, one of Ghana’s leading export commodities.
He added that forests also serve as important watersheds for major rivers, including the Pra, Birim, Ayensu, Ankobra, Densu, Tano and Ofin, helping to sustain water resources for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
The Forestry Commission CEO stated that the sector provides direct and indirect employment for about 800,000 people across the country through activities such as logging, timber processing, furniture manufacturing, plantation development, ecotourism, herbal medicine production and forest management.
He stressed that the forestry industry remains an important source of income and jobs, particularly in rural communities where forest-based economic activities support thousands of households.
Mr Brown, however, expressed concern about the increasing threats facing Ghana’s forest resources, including illegal logging, wildfires, land degradation and unsustainable exploitation.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, local communities, the private sector and development partners to protect the country’s forests while promoting sustainable economic development.
He said initiatives such as the Tree for Life programme were essential to restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and ensuring that forests continue to contribute to national development and climate resilience.
The Tree for Life Initiative forms part of broader national efforts to increase tree planting, restore forest cover and strengthen environmental sustainability while creating economic opportunities for communities dependent on forest resources.
