The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Sulemana Yusif, has launched Ghana’s Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) initiative at the National Landscape Forum, emphasizing the need for sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday in Accra, Mr Yusif emphasized the pressing threats facing Ghana’s environment, including deforestation, illegal mining and water pollution.
Representing the sector minister, he acknowledged the critical support from the World Bank in addressing these challenges, stating that “without such partnerships, progress would be far more difficult.”
Mr Yusif noted that vast forested areas have been destroyed, rivers contaminated with toxic sediments, and biodiversity severely impacted.
“We are seeing communities that were once large forests reduced to barren pits,” he stated, calling for urgent and collective action.
He outlined the government’s five core strategies to combat these environmental crises, including decentralizing small-scale mining licensing, strengthening law enforcement, engaging stakeholders, providing alternative livelihoods, and reclaiming degraded lands.
A key highlight of the forum was the introduction of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA), an approach designed to systematically measure the value of Ghana’s natural resources and integrate them into national economic planning.
“With NCA, Ghana will have a more scientific basis for policy-making, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also noted the that the Blue Water Initiative, which trains 2,000 community vanguards to protect water bodies, and The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative are the two major interventions aligned with this agenda to restore degraded landscapes.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr Patrick Nimo highlighted Ghana’s strides in incorporating natural capital accounting into development planning.
“This forum provides an opportunity for us to build on our progress by learning from global best practices and fostering strategic partnerships” he added.
He acknowledged the World Bank’s instrumental role in supporting these initiatives through projects such as the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project and the West African Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA).
On his part, the Deputy CEO for General Service of Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Jacob Anakwari, commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and all collaborating institutions for making this timely gathering possible.
He called for collaboration among development partners, policymakers, traditional leaders, and academics to enhance NCA and make the country a leader in recognizing and restoring its natural resources for national prosperity.
The launch brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to deliberate on solutions for safeguarding Ghana’s environment.
