The Chief Executive (CE) of the Forestry Commission (FC), Dr. Hugh Brown, has praised Rainforest Builder Ghana as they officially inaugurate Africa’s largest native tree species nursery in Basengele in the Western Region.
In a bold step toward reversing deforestation and advancing climate resilience, the facility stands as the continent’s largest native tree species nursery, with a production capacity of 5 million seedlings per year.
The CE praised the initiative for aligning with national and global sustainability goals and lauded the nursery’s innovative use of reusable plastic containers instead of polythene bags, aligning with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
According to Dr. Brown, what sets Rainforest Builder apart is its integration of climate mitigation, forest restoration, and biodiversity conservation. The facility, which has a capacity to produce 5 million seedlings annually, marks a major milestone in Ghana’s forest restoration efforts and the continent’s green economy agenda. “This project goes beyond Basengele, Western North, Ghana and beyond. It speaks to global concerns like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution,” he stated.
He pledged the FC’s continued support for the
The General Manager of Rainforest Builder Ghana, Mrs. Enver Mapanda speaking at the event, described the nursery as “a living symbol of our shared commitment to restoring Ghana’s forests. “ She acknowledged the essential contributions of local communities from Aboabo, Amenase, Basengele, and Modaso, as well as the support of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Authority. She emphasised that 95% of Rainforest Builder Ghana’s team are Ghanaians, including several former Forestry Commission experts.
“Our work would not be possible without the commitment of our partners, regulators, and the people who call these forests home,” she said.
She expressed her appreciation to the FC and CE for their strategic collaboration on the project.
Mr. Michael Amoah of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, described the initiative as a benchmark for visionary investment, and said the Rainforest Builder is creating jobs while restoring Ghana’s ecological balance. He reaffirmed the Authority’s support under the Government’s Reset Agenda. “This is the kind of sustainable development our country needs”, he remarked.
The Basengele Nursery, currently employs over 60 workers and is expected to scale up to support the restoration of 2,000 hectares of degraded forest land in 2025. Rainforest Builder has also pledged to donate 10,000 tree seedlings to the Forestry Commission and contribute 350 hectares to the government’s Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
The inauguration attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from government, traditional authorities, the Forestry Commission, partner organisations, and community leaders.
