The Golden Forest × Eco Restore Indigenous Tree Restoration Project (2026–2028) was officially launched on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Yagbonwura’s Palace in Damango, marking the beginning of a major landscape restoration initiative in Ghana’s Savannah Region.
Implemented by Eco Restore with funding support from Golden Forest, the three-year project will restore 12,000 indigenous trees across the communities of Ayanto, Singa, Tari No. 1, and Tari No. 2. The initiative will promote the planting of native species, including shea, dawadawa, baobab, mahogany, rosewood, kapok, and tamarind, to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen biodiversity, and improve community resilience.
To date, 11,481 trees across nine indigenous species have been planted, representing significant progress towards the project’s overall restoration target, while planting activities continue across the landscape
Addressing participants at the launch, Mr. Vlad Kolesnik, representing Golden Forest, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and the importance of healthy landscapes to the long-term future of the industry.
“Investments in restoration contribute not only to environmental protection but also to the resilience of supply chains and rural livelihoods,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Mr. Rich Kofi Kofituo, delivered remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Ankrah, highlighting the Authority’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s shea value chain through improved collaboration and sustainable development.
Eco Restore emphasized that lasting landscape restoration depends on strong community ownership and long-term stewardship. Through the project, the organisation will promote indigenous tree restoration, regenerative land management practices, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to strengthen ecosystem health and climate resilience across the savannah landscape.
The overlord of the Gonja traditional kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Yagbonwural Jewu Soale I, in a speech read on his behalf by the Damangowura welcomed the partnership and underscored the vital role of traditional leadership in protecting natural resources and supporting environmental restoration.
The launch also featured the symbolic planting of indigenous tree species like shea and mahogany, officially signalling the start of field implementation. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was presented to women shea collectors and farmers to support safer participation in restoration and shea-related activities.
The event brought together traditional authorities, government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and community representatives, demonstrating a shared commitment to restoring degraded landscapes and building climate-resilient communities.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and community members whose support made this launch possible.
