Forest and Wildlife Policy 1995.

The Forest and Wildlife Policy of Ghana is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The goal of the Policy is conservation and sustainable development of the nation's forest and wildlife resources to maintain environmental quality and optimum benefits for all segments of society.
The strategies for the management of forest reserves, protected areas and wildlife protected areas are (i) soil conservation, (ii) protection of water resources, (iii) biodiversity conservation, (iv) environmental protection and (v) sustainable use of natural resources. Forest reserves will be expanded through the development of an integrated national land. A network of National Parks and protected area categories will be established to conserve representative samples of the country's biotic communities. Protection measures will be taken for forest resources against forest fires, waste pollution, illegal logging and unregulated harvesting practices. Agroforestry will be promoted among farmer and cultivators to enhance food and raw material production and environmental protection. Forest rehabilitation and development will be ensured for sustainable use of forest and wildlife resources.
Consultative and participatory mechanisms will be developed to enhance land and tree tenure rights of farmers and ensure access of local people to traditional use of natural products. Public participation in forestry and wildlife matters will be ensured through the Forestry Commission and related district conservation committees. National tree planting programs will be carried out to generate income opportunities. In order to provide extension services to a wide spectrum of users, particularly in industry and rural communities, research database on relevant forestry and wildlife knowledge will be developed. Local community initiatives will be encouraged to protect natural resources for traditional, domestic and economic purposes.
The development of viable and efficient forest-based industries will be promoted to ensure efficient use of timber and other products from forests and wildlife resources and to meet domestic and international demand. Use and trade of highly valued and endangered species will be regulated to eliminate the threat of extinction, encourage regeneration and ensure future supplies. Private sector initiatives will be enabled on wood exporting markets for maintaining competitive advantages. Furthermore private sector dialogue will be enhanced to stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly in the timber trade and tourism, and to overcome constraints affecting industrial and commercial development in the sector. Marketing and use of abundant lesser-used timber species will be increased to obtain maximum benefit from the total allowable cut. Investment in feasible projects for commercial wild animal production and forest plantations will be promoted to ensure sustainable supplies of marketable products. Environmental impact assessment will be conducted in compliance with approved standards. Research-based and technology-led forestry and wildlife management, utilization and development will be promoted to ensure resource sustainability, socio-economic growth and environmental stability. Public awareness will be raised and capacity building will be enhanced at national, regional and district levels for sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources. In addition public education programs will be carried out on the role of trees, forest and wildlife and the importance of conservation.
An interagency coordinating committee will be established within inter-ministerial cooperation to coordinate plans and programs, to monitor the implementation of the policy and to develop a long-term master plan to guide implementation of this policy and strategies.