A two-member delegation from the 24-Hour Economy (24H+) Secretariat has paid a working visit to the Forestry Commission (FC) to explore potential areas of collaboration in advancing Ghana’s sustainable and inclusive economic transformation agenda.
The delegation, comprising Ms. Manuella Sekyi, Climate Lead, Programmes Officer, and Mr. Kyeretwie Opoku, Coordinator of the Secretariat, was warmly received by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Commission, Mr. Elikem Kotoko, and members of the Executive Management Team (EMT).
In his welcome address, Mr. Kotoko described the visit as a valuable opportunity to educate the Secretariat with the Commission’s mandate and operations, while fostering partnerships to drive the 24H+ vision of addressing Ghana’s economic challenges through innovative, practical solutions.
Ms. Sekyi, in a detailed presentation, outlined the 24H+ Programme’s goal to transform Ghana into a productive, industrialized, and job-creating economy. She highlighted flagship projects such as the Volta Economic Corridor; Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park; Agroecological Parks (Agbleduwo); Kumasi Machinery & Technology Park, and the National Creators’ Academy. All these, she noted are designed to enhance self-reliance, local production, and sustainable employment within a robust investment framework.
The FC’s presentation, delivered by Dr. Joseph Yaw Appiah-Gyapong, Director, Climate Change, showcased the Commission’s leadership in forest-based climate action and sustainable resource management. He emphasized FC’s achievements in implementing the REDD+ Programme, its strong governance systems, and Ghana’s success in securing $21.7 million in results-based carbon finance under the Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme. Dr. Appiah-Gyapong reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with the 24H+ Secretariat in building a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive economy.
The engagement concluded with an interactive session, where both parties shared insights and agreed on designating a liaison officer to strengthen communication and collaboration. The meeting ended on a cordial note, marked by a group photo to symbolize the beginning of a promising partnership.
