MIIF, Forestry Commission Launch Five-Year Forest Restoration Project in Western Region

The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), in partnership with the Forestry Commission and with support from Zijin Golden Ridge Ghana and other corporate partners, has commissioned a five-year project to restore 50 hectares of degraded forest at the Subri River Forest Reserve in Sekyere Krobo in the 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 communities.

Mineral Wealth Must Support Environmental Protection – MIIF CEO

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, MIIF Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Justina Nelson, said the initiative demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that the economic benefits derived from Ghana’s mineral resources are matched by responsible environmental management.

“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.

Mrs Nelson stressed that the success of the initiative would not be determined solely by the number of trees planted but by the extent to which the forest is restored, sustained and protected over time.

She emphasised the need for continuous monitoring, proper maintenance and collective commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the project.

The Forestry Commission is providing technical expertise and implementation support to guide the rehabilitation process and improve the survival rate of trees planted under the initiative.

The Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Dr Sarfo Adu, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration and effective forest management in achieving successful restoration.

He assured that the Commission would provide the necessary technical guidance and implementation support to ensure the restoration exercise is properly managed and contributes to the long-term recovery of the reserve.

Dr Adu also encouraged other corporate organisations to emulate MIIF’s initiative by partnering with the Forestry Commission to restore degraded forest areas across the country.

He noted that such partnerships would complement the government’s Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on March 21, 2025.

Community Participation Key to Sustainable Forest Restoration

The Paramount Chief of Sekyere Krobo, Nana Kwao Badu II, commended MIIF and its partners for the initiative, particularly the involvement of local farmers in the restoration exercise.

He urged the Forestry Commission to work closely with participating farmers to ensure they benefit from their efforts in nurturing and protecting the trees.

According to him, recognising the livelihoods and contributions of local communities would encourage a greater sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting the forest reserve.

Nana Kwao Badu II also expressed appreciation to MIIF for providing farm tools to support the participating farmers but appealed for additional logistical support for forest guards to strengthen security and prevent further degradation of the reserve.

His remarks highlighted the importance of integrating community participation and livelihood support into environmental conservation efforts.

MIIF Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

The five-year initiative brings together MIIF, the Forestry Commission and corporate partners in a collective effort to address forest degradation, conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental management.

MIIF acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, Corporate Ghana, traditional authorities, the District Assembly and the people of Sekyere Krobo towards the successful implementation of the project.

Through the restoration of 50 hectares of degraded forest, the Fund is reinforcing its commitment to responsible mineral wealth management while ensuring that environmental protection remains central to Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.

Story by : Mark Acheampong