Ten Ghanaian institutions receive GH‵7m grant to train forestry experts

Ten Ghanaian institutions, including public universities and the Forestry Commission, have been awarded a GH‵7 million grant to strengthen national efforts against environmental degradation. The funding, provided by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with Lakehead University, is designed to enhance technical expertise within the forestry sector. This initiative specifically targets the restoration of degraded landscapes while fostering international academic collaboration between Ghana and Canada.

Under the program, 36 Ghanaians will receive specialized training in critical fields such as wood science and ecological remediation. The participating organizations include various public universities and private companies, alongside the Forestry Commission. By equipping these scholars with advanced technological skills, the project aims to introduce more effective methods for monitoring and combating illegal mining and deforestation, which continue to threaten Ghana’s natural resources.

A significant aspect of the grant is its commitment to gender equity, with a requirement that at least 51% of the scholarship recipients be women. This focus aims to empower women within the forest value chain and ensure diverse perspectives in environmental management. The GH‵7 million allocation is part of a larger $80 million funding program managed by Global Affairs Canada, signaling a long-term commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience in Ghana.