The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), in collaboration with the Forestry Commission (FC), is set to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Forests with a series of activities aimed at promoting awareness of the economic importance of forests.
This year’s celebration, themed “Forests and Economies,” underscores the vital role forests play in supporting sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
As part of the commemoration, a debate competition will be held on March 19, 2026, featuring students from the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA). The debate will address the motion: “The economic value of forests should be measured solely in terms of timber and non-timber forest products.”
During a balloting session held at the Forestry Commission headquarters, representatives of both institutions selected their positions on the motion. The University of Ghana team, represented by Mr. Kwaku Woelorm Agbedanu and Ms. Abundance T. Adeleye, will argue in favour of the motion. Meanwhile, UPSA, represented by Mr. Richard Graham, will argue against the motion.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, the Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division, Dr. Richard Gyimah, commended both institutions for participating. He noted that the debate forms part of efforts to engage young people, who are future leaders, in discussions on forest conservation and sustainable management. He assured participants of the Commission’s support in preparing for the competition.
The International Day of Forests, observed annually on March 21, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees. Member countries are encouraged to organize activities such as tree planting and educational campaigns to promote forest conservation.
In Ghana, MLNR and the Forestry Commission have consistently marked the occasion through nationwide awareness and tree-planting initiatives. In 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region. The initiative resulted in the successful planting of over 31 million tree seedlings across all 16 regions of the country by the end of the year.
The 2026 celebration is expected to further strengthen national efforts toward forest protection, environmental sustainability, and economic development
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