Ghana's Forest Plantation Development Project is expected to reduce the country's forest degradation by 65,000 hectares per annum.
It is also expected to mitigate the effects of climate change on the country.
Mr Ford Kamel, Deputy Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources stated this when he visited some forest plantation sites in the Volta Region to
assess the rate of success of the project.
He said a total of 4,621 hectares of land would be covered under the project.
Mr Kamel said a budget line was being prepared by government towards creating fire belts to protect plantations being developed under the
project.
"All other issues of logistic and working tools are being worked at," he assured.
Mr Kamel was amazed by the enthusiasm with which the group was working on the project at Tanyigbe. They work amidst drumming, singing and dancing.
The Deputy Minister therefore assured them of government's support and said their salaries and allowances would be taken care of.
Mr Kamel noted that though the project took off late in the region, it had picked up and urged the workers to remain committed to enjoy the fruits
of their labour.
Some of the workers called on government to release seedlings for plantation on time. They also asked for more protective items such as wellington boots and overalls.