Otumfuo Ready to Lead Forestry Commission in Securing World Bank Funding to Restore Galamsey-Degraded Forests
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has expressed his readiness to lead the Forestry Commission (FC) in securing a World Bank grant for a large-scale reforestation programme aimed at restoring forests degraded by illegal mining (galamsey) and logging.
Expressing deep concern over the rapid destruction of forest reserves due to galamsey, the Asantehene emphasized that reforestation is key to recovering lost forest cover.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the 11-member Forestry Commission Board at Manhyia Palace on July 11, 2025, he urged the Commission to draft a detailed proposal for World Bank funding, assuring them of his full backing.
“I will personally defend this proposal to secure the grant, and I am confident the World Bank will respond positively,” Otumfuo stated.
A national crisis
Available data from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reveals that 44% of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have been destroyed, primarily due to illegal mining and logging.
Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has described the situation as a “national crisis and alarm.”
Youth engagement
The Asantehene acknowledged that many youths involved in galamsey cite unemployment as their reason for engaging in illegal mining.
“We can offer them jobs in the reforestation programme, paying them to plant trees instead of destroying forests,” he proposed.
Urgent action
Otumfuo stressed the critical need to protect Ghana’s forests, warning that the nation faces dire consequences if deforestation continues unchecked.
“In the past, gold mining was done responsibly, but today, the situation has drastically worsened,” he lamented.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting the Forestry Commission to fulfill its mandate effectively.
