By: Sarah Baafi
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, engaged the Forest Plantation Development Fund (FPDF) Board to assess its operations and explore ways to align its mandate with the government’s environmental reset agenda. The meeting was part of the Minister’s broader efforts to familiarize himself with agencies under his Ministry.
Mr Kofi Buah commended the FPDF Board Secretariat for its dedication to promoting forest plantation development, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing Ghana’s forest cover.
“I believe the objectives of the Fund Board are relevant, and the new administration will revisit its affairs to make it more effective,” he said.
During the session, Mr. Jason Nunoo, a Technical Officer with the Secretariat, outlined key challenges facing the Fund. These included declining financial resources from primary sources, poor monitoring of disbursed funds, and inadequate structuring within the Secretariat. He stressed that addressing these issues is vital for ensuring sustainability.
“By implementing recommendations—including increased funding and strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms—the FPDF can enhance its impact and contribute to Ghana’s broader environmental and economic goals,” Mr. Nunoo added.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, assured that concerns raised by management would be addressed by the incoming Board.
He highlighted plans to settle outstanding debts for seedlings procured during previous Green Ghana Day initiatives and proposed amendments to Act 623 to formally establish the Fund as an agency under the Ministry. “We need to review the governing Act to expand the Fund Board’s mandate and ensure it operates effectively,” he stressed.
The Forest Plantation Development Fund was established under Act 583 in 2000 and amended by Act 623 in 2002 to provide financial support for private forest plantation development on commercial timber lands. It also offers research and technical advice to individuals involved in plantation forestry.
