Ghana is expanding its climate action agenda beyond reforestation to include marine protection, plastic waste reduction, and broader environmental sustainability measures, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has announced.
Speaking at the 2026 World Environment Day commemoration ceremony, the Minister said government is intensifying environmental interventions aimed at protecting ecosystems on land and sea while strengthening long term climate resilience.
He noted that Ghana is advancing marine and coastal conservation efforts, including the operationalisation of marine protected areas designed to safeguard biodiversity and sustain fisheries.
Climate Commitments Under the Paris Agreement
According to the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Ghana continues to implement climate-smart policies under its Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.
These include investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, clean cooking solutions, improved waste management, and climate adaptation programmes targeting vulnerable communities.
He stressed that these measures are intended to align environmental protection with national development priorities, while reducing the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks such as floods, droughts, and coastal erosion.
The Minister said climate change is no longer a distant challenge but a present reality requiring coordinated national action across sectors.
Tackling Plastic Pollution and Waste Management
Government has also renewed its focus on plastic pollution and environmental sanitation challenges as part of its broader climate agenda.
The Minister disclosed that following an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations, processes are underway to ban polystyrene foam products, commonly known as styrofoam takeaway packs.
He added that public education on waste management, recycling, and responsible consumption is being intensified nationwide to support the transition toward cleaner environmental practices.
Environmental authorities believe the move will significantly reduce non biodegradable waste in urban areas and improve sanitation outcomes across major cities.
From Awareness to Action on Climate Change
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, urged stakeholders to move beyond environmental awareness campaigns to concrete and sustained action.
“Let us move beyond awareness to action, let us move beyond planting to nurturing, let us move beyond short-term interventions to long-term sustainability”.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
He emphasized that environmental protection must be treated as a continuous responsibility rather than a one time activity, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, and development partners.
Collective Responsibility and National Appreciation
The Minister expressed appreciation on behalf of the government to development partners, traditional authorities, religious institutions, civil society organisations, private sector actors, academic institutions, schools, and local communities supporting Ghana’s environmental agenda.
He also acknowledged the management and staff of West Africa Senior High School for hosting the national celebration, describing the venue as symbolic of youth involvement in environmental sustainability efforts.
According to him, young people remain central to Ghana’s environmental future and must be actively engaged in climate action initiatives.
Launch of 2026 Tree Planting Season
Concluding his address, the Minister officially declared the launch of the 2026 tree planting season, reaffirming government’s commitment to restoring degraded landscapes while strengthening broader environmental interventions.
He noted that Ghana’s environmental strategy now combines reforestation with marine protection, waste management reforms, and climate adaptation programmes.
“We extend sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders. Together, let us build a greener, more resilient, and more prosperous Ghana”.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
The ceremony formed part of ongoing national efforts to position environmental sustainability as a core pillar of Ghana’s development strategy amid rising global climate concerns.
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