Ghana National Landscape Forum: A Three-Day Conference on Sustainable Growth and Forest Economy

The Ghana National Landscape Forum recently concluded a successful three-day conference at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, held from April 2 to April 4, 2025. The forum’s theme, “Natural Resource Management and Forest Economy for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, policymakers, environmental experts, and industry players. The event provided a platform for rich discussions on the importance of sustainable natural resource management and the development of a thriving forest economy in Ghana.

The Ghanaian forest sector plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and providing livelihoods for millions of people across the country. Recent studies have highlighted the economic importance of the sector, showing that in 2014, forestry and logging contributed GH¢10.83 billion to Ghana’s GDP, accounting for 2.0 percent of the nation’s total GDP. However, between 2014 and 2023, this contribution averaged only 1.5 percent annually. These figures underscored the ongoing challenges facing the sector and emphasized the need for enhanced policies and strategies to boost its growth and sustainability.

In response to mounting environmental concerns such as deforestation and forest degradation, the government of Ghana had initiated several programs over the years. Notable among these were the Green Ghana Day Project and the National Afforestation Program, both aimed at reversing the trend of forest loss, restoring degraded landscapes, promoting sustainable land management practices, and building resilience to environmental shocks, such as droughts and floods.

The forum offered a unique opportunity to assess the progress and impact of these initiatives, while also facilitating the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Experts, policymakers, and industry leaders engaged in insightful discussions, identifying key challenges and opportunities for enhancing the sector’s contribution to sustainable development. The conference also fostered new collaborations, with several partnerships being formed to address issues such as forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest-based livelihoods.

The outcomes and recommendations from the conference are expected to significantly inform future policy decisions and guide practical actions in strengthening natural resource management across the country. These efforts will contribute to promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing the forest economy, and fostering inclusive economic growth that benefits both current and future generations in Ghana.