Ghana Launches Decade Plan to Value Natural Resources in Development
Ghana has launched an ambitious decade-long initiative aimed at placing the value of its natural resources at the centre of national planning and economic decision-making. The new framework, known as the National Plan for Natural Capital Accounting, is expected to fully integrate environmental considerations into the country’s development strategies by 2034.
The initiative was formally announced at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, December 10. Addressing the global gathering, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, underscored the urgency of adopting a system that quantifies and accounts for Ghana’s natural wealth in a structured and measurable way.
According to the Minister, Ghana loses up to 2.8 percent of its GDP annually to environmental degradation. With more than half of the population depending directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, he stressed that failing to capture the true value of the environment in national planning undermines long-term growth and stability.
The plan lays out several priority areas, beginning with efforts to strengthen coastal resilience along the country’s 550-kilometre shoreline. This component, supported through the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA-RESIP-2), will include mangrove restoration, lagoon rehabilitation, shoreline protection and the creation of green jobs in coastal communities.
Another pillar of the initiative is a commitment to a just and sustainable energy transition. Government intends to scale up investments in renewable energy, including decentralised mini-grids, to expand electricity access to rural communities. These interventions, the Minister noted, will not only curb carbon emissions but also support inclusive and climate-resilient development.
Mr. Buah emphasised that the natural capital accounting plan represents a practical, nature-based solution that aligns economic progress with environmental protection. “For Ghana, our development depends on nature. This initiative ensures that every national decision reflects the true value of our natural capital,” he said.
By adopting the plan, Ghana positions itself as a leader in Africa’s sustainability efforts, demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, accelerating green growth and protecting the ecological foundations that support livelihoods and national prosperity.
