Ghana is set to see major improvements in its ecotourism sector as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, alongside the Forestry Commission, rolls out upgrades to facilities in national parks and resource reserves nationwide.
The initiative aims to protect forest reserves, boost conservation efforts, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities affected by illegal mining. Lands Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah announced the programme during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
According to the Minister, the programme seeks to demonstrate that preserving forests can generate long-term economic benefits for local communities.
“Our goal is to make conservation pay, so that communities living around these protected areas see more value in preserving the forest than in destroying it,” Mr Buah said.
He noted that illegal mining has become an attractive source of income for many young people, but warned that the destruction of forests and water bodies threatens the country’s environmental sustainability and future generations.
“For too long, illegal mining has been the quickest way for our youth to earn income. If we destroy all our forests and water bodies today, what will the next generation inherit?” he asked.
Mr Buah said ecotourism presents a viable and sustainable alternative by creating jobs and supporting local economies while protecting the country’s natural resources.
“Ecotourism gives us a sustainable alternative. A healthy forest can employ a tour guide, a lodge operator, a craft seller and a park ranger for decades. A mined-out pit employs no one after six months,” he stated.
The planned upgrades are expected to improve visitor experiences at Ghana’s national parks and resource reserves, attract more tourists, enhance biodiversity conservation and generate long-term employment opportunities for communities living near protected areas.