Accra, March 26, – Ghana has taken a major step in climate action and coastal protection with the signing of an agreement to restore up to 6,000 hectares of mangroves in the Volta Region.
The agreement, signed between the Forestry Commission and Terraformation, a global leader in native and biodiverse forest restoration, forms part of the Keta Lagoon Blue Carbon Project.
The initiative aims to plant approximately 12 million native mangrove trees to enhance biodiversity, strengthen coastal resilience, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and protect fragile ecosystems.
Dr Hugh C.A. Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, signed on behalf of the Commission, while Mr Jad Daley, President of Terraformation, signed for his organisation, which will lead restoration activities within the Ramsar-designated Keta Lagoon complex.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Regenerative Development of Anlo Wetlands, Agrointroductions Ghana, local communities, the University of Ghana, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“Ghana is demonstrating how climate action can go hand in hand with economic growth, restoring ecosystems while creating jobs and strengthening communities,” Mr Daley said.
Dr Brown reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to partnerships that address both ecological and socio-economic challenges.
“Ghana pursues collaborations that contribute not only to ecological restoration but also respond to the economic and social needs of our people,” he stated.
Dr Joseph Appiah-Gyapong, Director of the Climate Change Unit at the Forestry Commission, said the project highlighted the importance of conservation in tackling climate change and safeguarding biodiversity.
He explained that restoring mangroves created favourable conditions for marine life, including endangered species such as sea turtles.
“When ecosystems are restored, they naturally support biodiversity. Marine turtles, for instance, depend on healthy coastal environments for reproduction,” he said.
Dr Appiah-Gyapong also emphasised the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration and called for sustainable management to reduce overexploitation.
“These initiatives help shift pressure away from mangroves and encourage communities to protect rather than exploit them,” he added.
Mr Raphael Ahiakpe, Country Director for Regenerative Development of Anlo Wetlands, described the initiative as both an environmental and economic intervention.
“What we are doing is not just an economic activity; it is also a restorative effort to combat coastal erosion and its devastating effects,” he said.
He noted that the project was timely, as many coastal communities faced poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
“This initiative will help reduce harmful practices while contributing to national and global climate change mitigation efforts,” he said.
The Keta Lagoon Blue Carbon Project is expected to remove an estimated 2.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over a 40-year period.
GHBUSS
26 March 2026
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