A six-member Forest Plantation Development Fund Board (FPDF) was established by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, with the specific goal of reviving Ghana’s reforestation agenda through prudent fund management.
“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.” Hon. Buah emphasized.
The minister listed the main duties of the board:
• 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
Prior to the 2025 planting season, Hon. Buah gave the Board instructions to expedite funding for plantation projects, enhance forestry public-private partnerships, and fully support the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
Board Chairman Lawyer Isaac Essien responded by pledging the board’s full support: “We recognize this as national service, not personal gain. With stakeholder cooperation, we’ll deliver credible results for Ghana’s forest reserves.”
Full government assistance was promised by Deputy Minister Hon. Yusif Sulemana, who said, “Your success means success for our climate resilience and green economy goals.”
The following people make up the board:
• 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 is a significant milestone in Ghana’s climate action plan, which aims to stop deforestation by fusing ecological restoration with financial innovation.
Source: newsthemegh.com