The World Bank has commended Ghana for the progress made in protecting the Atewa forest landscape through the implementation of the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD plus Programme, describing the initiative as an encouraging example of how climate action and rural development can work together to benefit both people and the environment.
The endorsement followed a high level visit by World Bank officials to communities within the Atewa Hotspot Intervention Area in the Eastern Region, where conservation activities are being combined with livelihood improvement projects to reduce pressure on one of Ghana’s most ecologically important forest landscapes.
The delegation, led by World Bank Vice President for Planet Guangzhe Chen, toured communities including Pano, Kwasi Komfo, Potroase and Amanfrom to observe the impact of interventions that have been introduced under the programme. The visit provided an opportunity for officials to engage directly with local residents and assess how investments are supporting both environmental conservation and economic resilience.
Speaking during the visit, Chen expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far while acknowledging that there is still room for improvement as the programme expands.
The Atewa landscape has long been recognised as one of Ghana’s richest biodiversity areas. It provides critical ecosystem services, serves as a major water source for surrounding communities and supports diverse wildlife. However, the area continues to face increasing threats from illegal mining, unsustainable farming practices and deforestation, making long term conservation efforts essential.
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The Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD plus Programme was introduced to address these challenges by promoting sustainable cocoa production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The initiative is jointly implemented by the Forestry Commission and COCOBOD with financial support from the World Bank through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.
Since its launch in 2019, the programme has covered approximately 5.9 million hectares across Ghana’s High Forest Zone and supports more than 140,000 cocoa farmers in six hotspot intervention areas. The programme is expected to continue until 2027 as Ghana works towards its climate commitments and broader sustainable development goals.
One of the unique features of the programme is its performance based financing model. Communities receive carbon payments after independently verified reductions in forest related emissions. These payments are then invested in projects that directly improve local livelihoods while encouraging continued environmental stewardship.
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The Atewa Hotspot Intervention Area has already received approximately US$4.8m for emission reductions achieved during the 2019 monitoring period and an additional US$16.9m covering the 2020 and 2021 monitoring periods. The funds have been channelled into community development initiatives, environmental protection and capacity building activities.
According to project officials, part of the financing has supported the construction of mechanised boreholes to improve access to clean drinking water, the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers, training programmes on climate smart agriculture and the provision of school furniture for dozens of schools serving communities within the forest enclave.
The Forestry Commission also indicated that a portion of the funding has strengthened its operational capacity through the acquisition of vehicles, motorbikes and other logistics that enable field officers and community members to better monitor and protect forest resources.
Officials believe that these investments demonstrate how carbon finance can deliver tangible benefits beyond climate mitigation. By improving infrastructure, creating economic opportunities and supporting sustainable agriculture, the programme aims to reduce the economic pressures that often drive illegal activities such as unregulated mining and indiscriminate logging.
Chen noted that the World Bank is interested in exploring opportunities to expand support for similar conservation initiatives, describing Ghana as one of the leading countries in Africa developing practical carbon market solutions that reward communities for protecting natural resources.
He also praised the commitment shown by local residents and traditional authorities, particularly the leadership provided by the Okyehene in promoting environmental sustainability across the Atewa landscape.
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The success of the programme comes at a time when Ghana continues to strengthen its climate resilience agenda while balancing environmental protection with economic development. Forest conservation has become increasingly important as the country seeks to meet international climate targets, protect biodiversity and secure sustainable livelihoods for rural populations.
Environmental experts believe programmes such as REDD plus will become even more significant as global demand for high quality carbon credits continues to grow. They argue that successful community based conservation models could unlock additional climate financing while supporting long term rural development.
Although challenges remain, including illegal mining activities and persistent rural poverty, the World Bank’s assessment signals growing confidence that Ghana’s integrated approach to forest conservation is delivering measurable results. Continued collaboration between government agencies, development partners, traditional leaders and local communities will be essential to maintaining this momentum and ensuring that the Atewa forest remains protected for future generations.
