The Forestry Commission (FC) has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Forum Ghana (WFFG) to host the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests (AIM4Forests) Young Forest Champions in a three-day capacity-building workshop in Ghana. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the knowledge, leadership, and practical skills of Young Forest Champions (YFC) to enable them design, implement, and advocate for community-based forest restoration and climate action initiatives in alignment with national and FAO frameworks for sustainable forest management.
The AIM4Forests is a five-year global initiative designed to strengthen forest monitoring systems by promoting the use of modern technologies, technical innovation, and space-based data applications such as remote sensing. The programme seeks to enhance countries’ capacity to manage their forest resources sustainably and to advance global climate resilience efforts.
As part of the broader AIM4Forests agenda, the Young Forest Champions initiative aims to engage, inspire, and empower youth to become active participants in forest conservation and climate action. This year, the initiative attracted over 1,500 applicants from five participating countries namely; Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, and Peru. Out of the total, 148 applicants were from Ghana, and 10 applicants were successful. A workshop was scheduled for these young champions from 5th to 7th November at the Forestry Commission’s Headquarters. The workshop is part of activities to enhance participants’ actions in forest restoration, and protection of vital landscapes through mentorship, capacity-building, and the application of cutting-edge monitoring technologies.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, the Acting Director of the Climate Change Directorate, Dr. Joseph Appiah Gyapong, described the initiative as a purposeful collaboration aimed at mobilising young people as active custodians of forests and champions of climate resilience.
He commended the programme for demonstrating that when young people are provided with the right tools, knowledge, and mentorship, they can make a significant impact in restoring and protecting forests. Dr. Gyapong added that the large number of applicants reflected the growing passion and commitment of African youth towards sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.
The Facilitator of the AIM4Forests Young Champions, Miss Eva Ntara, explained that the initiative seeks to fully equip the next generation with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute effectively to forest conservation. She noted that workshops have already been held in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and Peru, with Ghana serving as the final host country. Miss Ntara also highlighted that the Young Forests Champions Initiative was launched on World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5, 2025, marking an appropriate moment to reaffirm the role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.
During the workshop, Miss Tessia Boateng, Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Officer at the Climate Change Directorate, delivered a presentation providing an overview of the Forestry Commission’s operations. She outlined the key roles of the Commission’s Divisions and Centers, and emphasised on the mandate of the Climate Change Directorate and the range of projects it oversees. Her presentation underscored the Commission’s ongoing commitment to integrating innovative forest monitoring systems and strengthening national capacity in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The workshop provided a platform for the Champions to present the progress on their individual forest conservation projects, engage in mentorship sessions, and participate in a field visit to the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The visit deepened their understanding on the importance of forest conservation and the critical role they play as advocates. Additionally, participants were introduced to the Ground Open Foris tool, designed to support the implementation and monitoring of their projects.
The three-day workshop formed part of the Forestry Commission’s broader efforts to promote innovation, youth engagement, and international collaboration in the sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources.
