The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources,Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a 6-member Forest Plantation Development Fund Board (FPDF) with a clear mandate to revitalize Ghana’s reforestation agenda through strategic fund management.
During the inauguration, Hon. Buah emphasized: “This Board’s work is critical to transforming Ghana’s forest landscape. Through effective fund management, we will create economic opportunities while restoring our environment for future generations.”
The Minister outlined the Board’s key responsibilities:
- Fund Stewardship: Ensure transparent and impactful use of resources
- Investment Mobilization: Attract private capital for plantation development
- Sector Incentivization: Develop attractive packages for private investors
- Best Practice Promotion: Advance sustainable plantation techniques
- Project Financing: Support innovative forest initiatives
- Compliance Oversight: Monitor alignment with national objectives
Hon. Buah directed the Board to Fast-track financial support for plantation projects, strengthen public-private partnerships in forestry, and fully embrace the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative ahead of the 2025 planting season
In response, Lawyer Isaac Essien, Board Chairman, pledged the full commitment of the board: “We recognize this as national service, not personal gain. With stakeholder cooperation, we’ll deliver credible results for Ghana’s forest reserves.”
Deputy Minister Hon. Yusif Sulemana assured full ministerial support, noting: “Your success means success for our climate resilience and green economy goals.”
Members of the board are as follows;
- Lawyer Isaac Essien – Board Chairman
- Mr. Innocent Haligah – Ag. Chief Director – Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
- Mr. Zakaria Sakara Ahmed – Member
- Mr. Wepia A. Awal Adugwala – Peasant Farmers Association Representative
- Mr. Stephen Akwasi Boakye, Aidoo Tree Growers Association Representative
- Prof. Ferdinand Ahiakpor, Agricultural Development Bank – Representative
This inauguration marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s climate action plan, combining financial innovation with ecological restoration to combat deforestation.
