The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), in partnership with the Forestry Commission and supported by Zijin Golden Ridge Ghana and other partners has commissioned a five-year project to restore 50 hectares of degraded forest at the Subri River Forest Reserve in Sekyere Krobo, Western Region.
The project, commissioned on October 29, 2026, forms part of MIIF’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Biodiversity Reforestation Project, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen biodiversity conservation in Ghana’s mining regions.
Protecting Ghana’s natural heritage
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MIIF Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Justina Nelson, said the initiative reflects the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that the economic benefits of mineral resources are matched by responsible environmental stewardship.
“The true value of our nation’s mineral wealth lies not only in what we extract today, but also in the natural heritage we preserve for generations to come,” she said.
She emphasised that the success of the project would not be measured simply by the number of trees planted, but by the extent to which the forest is restored and protected over time. This, she noted, would require sustained care, effective monitoring and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
The Forestry Commission is providing technical expertise and implementation support to guide the rehabilitation process and promote the long-term survival of the restored forest.
The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Dr Sarfo Adu, highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration and effective forest management in achieving successful restoration.
He said the Commission would provide technical guidance and implementation support to ensure the restoration work was effectively managed and that the trees planted survived to support the forest’s long-term recovery.
He also urged other corporate organisations to draw inspiration from MIIF’s initiative and partner with the Forestry Commission to help restore Ghana’s degraded forest landscape. He said such partnerships would support the government’s Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on 21 March 2025.
Community participation key to sustainability
The Paramount Chief of Sekyere Krobo, Nana Kwao Badu II, commended MIIF and its partners for the initiative and welcomed the participation of farmers in the restoration exercise.
He called on the Forestry Commission to work closely with the farmers to ensure that they also benefit from their efforts to nurture and protect the trees. He noted that recognising the role and livelihoods of local communities would encourage a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility for the forest.
Nana Kwao Badu II also expressed appreciation to MIIF for providing farm tools to support participating farmers and appealed for additional support for forest guards to strengthen the protection of the reserve.
His remarks highlighted the importance of combining environmental restoration with community livelihoods and effective forest protection.
A collective commitment to environmental sustainability
The five-year initiative brings together MIIF, the Forestry Commission and corporate Ghana in a shared effort to address forest degradation, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental practices.
MIIF acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, Corporate Ghana, traditional authorities, the District Assembly and the people of Sekyere Krobo.
Through the restoration of 50 hectares of degraded forest, the Fund is reinforcing its commitment to responsible mineral wealth management and ensuring that environmental protection remains an important part of Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.
