Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, is urging for a significant increase in activities related to carbon credits. He believes these initiatives are crucial for helping Ghana reduce its release of greenhouse gases, which are harmful emissions that contribute to planetary warming. Carbon credits offer a way for businesses to manage their emissions.
Industries are given limits on how much carbon dioxide they can release. By participating in carbon credit schemes, they are encouraged to adopt practices that ultimately cut down on these harmful gases. This system aims to balance industrial output with environmental protection. Mr. Antwi highlighted the visible effects of climate change in Ghana. He pointed to changes in weather patterns, higher temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. Events like floods and droughts are becoming more common and severe.
These climate impacts have serious consequences for Ghana’s economy. They threaten food production, affecting farmers' incomes and national food security. The Minister stressed the urgent need to implement and fully integrate carbon credit activities. He made these remarks while presenting tree seedlings to farmers in Nkoranza. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is distributing over one million tree seedlings across Bono, Bono East, and Savannah regions. This is part of the Agroforestry for Carbon Credit project.
Bono East is actively contributing to carbon offsetting. The region has planted more than 355,480 tree seedlings during the National Tree Planting Exercise. All 11 administrative districts in the region have been instructed to create local rules against bushfires. The regional agriculture office is also promoting climate-smart farming techniques. These include methods like minimal soil disturbance and planting trees among crops, known as agroforestry. Burying fertiliser in the soil helps it work better and reduces waste.
As a major producer of cashews and mangoes, Bono East plays a role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. Mr. Antwi praised the government for its agricultural programs like Feed Ghana and Nkoko Nketenkete. Projects focused on irrigation and reliable food supply have also been commended. He advised those receiving seedlings from the Agroforestry for Carbon Credit Project to follow the project’s rules. He also asked project managers to ensure resources reach farmers on time.
Anitha Narahari, Deputy Country Director for the World Food Programme, spoke about the program’s goals. These include helping smallholder farmers build stronger livelihoods. The program also aims to improve food systems and create lasting economic chances. Phase II of the Agroforestry Carbon Credit Programme is expected to reach about 15,000 farmers. Around 10,000 farmers will directly get tree seedlings from this initiative.