As the world counts down to the International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21, 2026, Ghana is setting the stage for a high-stakes intellectual showdown that puts the true value of forests under the spotlight.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission, is rolling out a packed programme to mark the global observance under the theme “Forests and Economies.” The theme underscores the often-overlooked role forests play in sustainable growth, livelihoods, and poverty reduction.
At the heart of the celebrations is a gripping debate competition between two of Ghana’s leading universities, the University of Ghana and the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Scheduled for March 19, the debate will challenge students to argue for or against the motion:
“The economic value of forests should be measured solely in terms of timber and non-timber forest products.”
Following a balloting session at the Forestry Commission headquarters, the University of Ghana drew the slot to argue FOR the motion, while UPSA will speak AGAINST it, setting the stage for a sharp clash of ideas on conservation versus commodification.
Representing UG are Mr. Kwaku Woelorm Agbedanu, a Level 200 BSc Business Administration student, and Abundance T. Adeleye, a Level 400 BA Psychology student, both executives of the UG Debate Society. UPSA will be led by Richard Graham, a Level 400 Bachelor of Laws student and President of the UPSA Debate Club.
Speaking on behalf of the Forestry Commission’s leadership, the Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division, Dr. Richard Gyimah, praised the universities for embracing the initiative. He noted that the debate is deliberately youth-focused, aimed at shaping future leaders who understand forest protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development. He assured participants of the Commission’s full support ahead of the contest.
The International Day of Forests was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise global awareness about the importance of forests and trees. Since its adoption, Ghana has used the Day to intensify education, tree planting, and conservation campaigns nationwide.
In 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region as part of IDF commemorations. By the end of that year, assessments showed that more than 31 million tree seedlings had been successfully planted across all 16 regions of the country.
As Ghana prepares to mark IDF 2026, the upcoming UG–UPSA debate promises not just eloquence and rivalry, but a deeper national conversation: Are forests merely economic commodities, or living systems that sustain economies, communities, and future generations?
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
