The Minister for Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ophelia Mensah Hayford, has toured several plantations in the Kwahu Ridge of the Eastern Region as part of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project. This initiative was established in February 2022 to address the effects of climate change on the environment.
The Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project aims to develop healthy ecosystems that play a critical role in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. It is funded by the World Bank and the International Development Association, with $28 million sourced from the Global Environment Facility, the PROGREEN Trust Fund, and the Extractives Global Programmatic Support Trust Fund.
This project is a collaborative effort involving MESTI, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Forestry Commission. During her visit, Madam Mensah Hayford inspected various plantations, including cashew nut, plantain, and groundnut farms. The goal was to assess progress, understand ongoing activities, and engage with farmers regarding their challenges.
Accompanied by officials from the EPA, the Forestry Commission, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Madam Mensah Hayford visited plantations in the Kwahu East, Kwahu South, Kwahu West, and Afram Plains North and South districts.
The minister explained that the land had been taken over by Fulanis, which had led to reduced rainfall. Following their removal and the replanting of trees, the region has seen an increase in rainfall, encouraging farmers to return to the area.
The Assistant Project Coordinator of the EPA, Isaac Charles Acquah, emphasized that the project focuses on restoring degraded lands. He noted that the initiatives aim to enhance community benefits and improve resilience against environmental challenges.
A representative from the Forestry Commission’s Forest Service Division, Nii Kwei Kussachin, outlined five key interventions being implemented across three forest reserves in the Kwahu Enclave. He described the “TONJA” system, which permits farmers to cultivate crops in the forest while also planting trees. Another intervention mentioned was enrichment planting, aimed at assisting forests that are not severely degraded but have low natural regeneration.
This project represents a significant step toward restoring the environment and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.