The Chief Director for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources , Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale has called on experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to address the gaps in data collection and reporting, in ensuring that Forest Sector is accurately represented in Ghana’s economic assessments.
Prof. Agbesinyale made this statement on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon.Samuel A Jinapor at a Policy Dialogue on Economic Contribution and Sectoral Linkages of the Forestry Sector to the National Economy.
Speaking on the theme “Promoting Sustainable Forest-Based Industries In Ghana” at the forum, Prof. Agbesinyale highlighted on the numerous benefits of forest to the nation’s economy and societal wellbeing.
The Chief Director noted that inspite of all the economic gains from forests, the lack of formal recognition and the challenges in quantifying the sector’s contributions have led to its marginalization in national accounting and policy frameworks.
“The forest sector is often overshadowed by other industries when discussing national economic performance, yet its impact is profound and far-reaching.”
He urged all stakeholders to focus on actionable recommendations that will not only strengthen the forest sector but also contribute to broader goals such as climate resilience, poverty reduction, food security, equitable sharing of forest benefits and addressing the major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.
Addressing participants virtually, Ms. Thais Linhares Juvenal, Senior Forestry Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) asserted that there is an urgent need to fight the climate emergency by mitigating efforts to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,and income distribution of carbon emissions.
Ms. Juvenal stated that improving data collection and analysis to better explore opportunities created by economic linkages.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
