The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to conserve biodiversity and protect the nation’s forest resources for present and future generations.

He made the statement at the Commemoration of World Wildlife Day 2026 held at the Kakum National Park under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”

Addressing stakeholders, students and conservation groups, the Minister stressed that Ghana’s forests remain central to healthcare, culture and economic growth.

Hon. Buah warned that the biodiversity crisis is no longer distant, noting that globally, over one million species are at risk of extinction, and called for urgent and collective protection of forests across the country.

“When we lose the forest, we do not just lose the trees; we lose a library of cures yet to be discovered,” he stated urging responsible resource extraction and sustainable land use.

Highlighting the economic potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, the Minister described the sector as a growing green economy capable of creating jobs, especially for women and the youth.

“Investments in cultivation, value addition and ecotourism would reduce pressure on natural reserves while boosting local incomes”, he said.

Hon. Buah also announced that the Ministry is drafting a Legislative Instrument to operationalise the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), to strengthen enforcement and practical management of the sector.

On his part, the Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Isaac Essien, Esq., called for intensified awareness creation on the sustainable use of medicinal plants.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting local cultivation and supporting farmers and private investors with technical guidance.

The Director of the Wildlife Division, Dr. Joseph Boakye, Esq., pledged the Division’s commitment to safeguarding medicinal and aromatic plants through effective protection, stronger collaboration with communities and sustained research.

He underscored the role of traditional authorities and local groups as indispensable partners in conservation efforts.

World Wildlife Day is observed globally on March 3 following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. The day raises awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora and celebrates their ecological, cultural and economic contributions to sustainable development.

ENDS
MLNR-PR UPDATES