In response to the widespread destruction of several forest reserves by illegal miners, the European Union (EU) in Ghana has awarded a €2.4 million grant to support four forest restoration projects across the country.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will not only help rehabilitate degraded forest reserves but also improve the livelihoods of farmers living in affected communities.
Ghana’s forest reserves have come under intense pressure from illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. In many forests across the Ahafo, Bono East, Upper East, and Western Regions, the situation has been further exacerbated by illegal logging and recurrent wildfires.
To help address these challenges, the EU has provided €2.4 million in grants to three not-for-profit organisations to support the restoration of approximately 5,000 hectares of forest.
According to Paulina Pozycka, Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development at the EU Delegation to Ghana, the increasing degradation of forest reserves poses serious risks to ecosystems, local economies, and surrounding communities, necessitating urgent action.
“The EU is happy to support Ghana’s forest restoration policy and to contribute to the government’s efforts to achieve sustainable development. Forests provide livelihoods for many people,” she stated.
