The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, has paid a visit to the Ghana Landscape Restoration Projects in the Kwahu East District and Kwahu West Municipality in the Eastern Region.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Forestry Division, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Cocobod, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), launched the project to restore degraded lands. The Minister’s two-day familiarization and inspection visit aimed to gather firsthand information on the landscape restoration initiatives and assess the progress of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, which was launched two years ago.

The project’s primary objective is to protect, manage, and sustain natural resources while increasing benefits to society.

During the visit to some project sites, including the Abene, Dwerebease, Denamo, and Hyewohoden forest reserves in the Kwahu East District, the Minister expressed her satisfaction with the success of the restoration efforts.



She urged Ghanaians to plant more trees to safeguard the environment, emphasizing that the effects of climate change cannot be underestimated, and protecting the environment is essential for future generations.



In a statement, Hon. Ophelia Mensah-Hayford stressed the importance of environmental conservation:
"The impact of climate change on our environment is significant, and we must take collective action to protect and restore our natural ecosystems."

Additionally, Mpraeso District Forest Manager, Nii Kwei Kussachin, noted that over 1,230 hectares of plantations have been established across three forest reserves under the commission’s efforts. He also outlined some of the ongoing activities aimed at sustaining the project.

In his statement, Nii Kwei Kussachin added: "We are committed to maintaining the progress we have made and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these restoration projects."

Credit: Janet Agyeimaa