The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that Ghana surpassed its 2025 national reforestation target by planting more than 31 million trees under the Tree for Life Initiative.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative on Friday, June 5, the minister described the achievement as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to restore degraded landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.
According to Mr. Buah, the country exceeded its target of 30 million trees through the collective efforts of government institutions, traditional authorities, schools, religious organisations, civil society groups, development partners, local communities and the private sector.
He said the success of the initiative demonstrates the impact of national collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and advancing reforestation goals.
“I am pleased to announce, as has already been stated, that in the 2025 edition of the Tree for Life Initiative, we planted over 31 million trees, even though the target was 30 million across the country, through the collective efforts of all of us,” he stated.
The minister noted that while the number of trees planted is important, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on ensuring that the trees survive and mature.
As a result, he announced that the 2026 edition of the programme will focus strongly on post-planting care, monitoring and maintenance to improve tree survival rates nationwide.
Mr. Buah called on schools, institutions, communities and individuals participating in the programme to take responsibility for nurturing the trees they plant by watering them regularly, protecting them from bushfires and other threats, and monitoring their growth.
“For this reason, the 2026 edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative will place strong emphasis on post-planting care, monitoring and maintenance,” he added.
The Tree for Life Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, forms part of Ghana’s broader environmental conservation strategy aimed at restoring forest cover, combating land degradation and enhancing climate resilience across the country.
