"The success of Ghana’s landscape restoration hinges on collective leadership" – Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah

Ghana’s commitment to restoring its degraded landscapes and ensuring sustainable natural resource management requires strong leadership, collective action, and shared responsibility, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah (FGIP), Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has emphasized.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana National Landscape Forum, Dr. Amoah underscored the urgent need for environmental conservation as the country grapples with rising deforestation, land degradation, and economic losses linked to poor resource management.

“The success of Ghana’s landscape restoration and sustainability agenda hinges on our collective leadership, commitment, and shared vision. We cannot afford to ignore the pressing threats to our forests, water bodies, and fertile lands,” she stated.

Citing a 2023 World Bank report, Dr. Amoah revealed that Ghana loses over $500 million annually due to poor land management, with deforestation alone accounting for approximately $400 million in economic losses.

She further noted that Ghana’s renewable natural capital per capita declined by 48% between 1995 and 2020, putting key sectors such as agriculture and fisheries at risk.

A significant milestone at the forum was the official launch of Ghana’s Natural Capital Accounts (NCA), a strategic tool developed in collaboration with the World Bank’s Global Program on Sustainability.

The NCA will provide accurate data on ecosystem health, land use, and environmental services, using the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework to guide policy decisions.

Dr. Amoah commended the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) for leading sustainability initiatives, including the Ghana Sustainable Land and Water Management Project, the Forest Investment Program, and the REDD+ Cocoa Forest Emission Reductions Programme.

Reaffirming the NDPC’s commitment to sustainable development, she stressed that nature is not a luxury but the foundation of Ghana’s prosperity. 

Dr. Amoah urged policymakers, civil society, and development partners to take decisive action to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.

“The choices we make today will determine the quality of life for our children and the resilience of our economy,” she concluded.

The National Landscape Forum continues as experts and stakeholders deliberate on strategies to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable growth.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith