Theme: “Forests and Our Future: A Call to Action”
By: Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, an Envioromentalist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, E/R, Ghana
World Forest Day, also known as International Day of Forests, is marked on March 21 each year to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for the survival of humanity and the planet. Forests are the lungs of our planet, providing essential ecosystem services such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation. In Ghana, forests serve as the backbone of rural livelihoods, offering timber, non-timber forest products, and habitat for wildlife. However, deforestation and land degradation continue to threaten these vital ecosystems. As we commemorate World Forest Day 2025, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of Ghana’s forests and advocate for sustainable management strategies that ensure their longevity for future generations.
Ghana’s forests play a critical role in both the ecological and economic framework of the country. The nation is home to some of West Africa’s most diverse forest reserves, including Kakum National Park, Atewa Forest Reserve, and the Ankasa Conservation Area. These forests provide habitat for iconic species such as the African elephant, pangolins, and various primates, while also supporting pollinators crucial for agriculture.
Economically, the forestry sector is a major contributor to Ghana’s GDP, providing employment to thousands through timber harvesting, furniture-making, and eco-tourism. Non-timber forest products like shea butter, medicinal plants, and honey further contribute to the livelihoods of local communities. Beyond economics, forests act as natural shields against climate change, helping to regulate rainfall patterns and prevent soil erosion.
Despite their immense value, Ghana’s forests are under severe threat. Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and mining activities have led to significant forest loss over the past decades. According to reports, Ghana has one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa, with substantial portions of primary forests being cleared for cocoa farms and illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). This has devastating consequences, including loss of biodiversity, reduced water availability, and increased vulnerability to climate change.
Bushfires, driven by human activities and prolonged dry seasons, also pose a major risk to Ghana’s forests. Uncontrolled fires destroy large tracts of forestland, affecting wildlife and soil fertility. Additionally, weak enforcement of forestry laws and corruption further exacerbate deforestation, making conservation efforts more challenging.
To address these challenges, Ghana must adopt a holistic approach to sustainable forest management. Key strategies should include:
- Afforestation and Reforestation Initiatives: Encouraging large-scale tree planting projects such as the Green Ghana initiative to restore degraded lands.
- Community-Based Forest Management: Empowering local communities to take charge of forest conservation through participatory forestry programs and sustainable agroforestry practices.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of the Forestry Commission to combat illegal logging and enforce forest protection laws.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging farmers to adopt agroforestry practices that integrate tree planting with crop production to reduce the need for deforestation.
- Eco-Tourism Development: Expanding eco-tourism initiatives that generate revenue while preserving forests and biodiversity.
- Climate Action Policies: Integrating forests into national climate change mitigation plans and leveraging international partnerships for funding and technical support.
As Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Forest Day 2025, it is essential to recognise the critical role forests play in our national development and well-being. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Forests and Our Future: A Call to Action,” reminds us that safeguarding Ghana’s forests requires collective effort. Government agencies, private sectors, civil society groups, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that our forests remain a sustainable resource for generations to come.
Let this day serve as a reminder of our responsibility to protect and restore our forests, not only for ourselves but for future generations.
Happy World Forest Day, Ghana!