Rainforest Builder unveils 5m annual capacity tree nursery at Bassengele

Rainforest Builder Ghana, a nature technology company focused on restor­ing tropical forests on a large scale, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art native tree nursery in Bassengele, in Bibiani, with an annual production capacity of 5 million seedlings—making it the largest of its kind in Africa.

This milestone marks a major step forward in Ghana’s reforesta­tion agenda and carbon sequestra­tion efforts, as they are working to restore 100,000 hectares of degrad­ed land to natural forest in Ghana.

Powered by advanced irrigation systems and the dedication of over 600 staff—many from surround­ing communities—the nursery is a cornerstone of Rainforest Builder Ghana’s ambitious restoration strategy.

“This nursery is not just about trees,” said Enver Mapanda, Gen­eral Manager of Rainforest Builder Ghana. “It reflects our long-term commitment to restoring Ghana’s forest landscapes in alignment with the government’s bold vision for climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, green job creation, and carbon removal at scale.”

Ms Mapanda was speaking at the inauguration of the nursery on Thursday. Present at the mini-durbar ceremony, was an entourage of the Forestry Commission led by its Chief Executive, Dr Hugh Clem­ent Adokwei Brown.

Established in 2023 to implement its flagship initiative, Project Akwaa­ba, Rainforest Builder Ghana has already restored more than 1,500 hectares of degraded forest across the Upper Wassa, Anhwiaso South, and Anhwiaso East Forest Reserves, where the projects are located.

This year, she said, the company aimed to restore an additional 2,000 hectares—doubling its achieve­ments from the previous year.

“At the heart of our operations is a fully integrated value chain: from seed collection and nursery management, to planting, long-term forest protection, financial planning, carbon credit development, and global carbon market engagement,” she indicated.

She pointed out that by restor­ing forest cover, “the company is helping sequester large volumes of atmospheric carbon dioxide—con­tributing meaningfully to Ghana’s climate mitigation targets and creating verifiable carbon credits that can support further investment in nature-based solutions”.

Stressing that the company’s commitment extended beyond ecosystems to the people who depended on them, she assured that the company planned to employ over 900 workers ensuring that local communities were direct beneficia­ries of the restoration economy.

In addition, the company would donate 10,000 seedlings to Ghana’s Forestry Commission, reinforc­ing national reforestation efforts of the government and fostering public-private collaboration.

“We’re building inclusive and sustainable rainforest economies,” said Ms Mapanda. “The people who live with and care for these forests must also be the ones who benefit.”

With continued support from its UK-based parent company, Rain­forest Builder Ghana is well-po­sitioned to transform degraded landscapes into thriving forest ecosystems—locking away carbon, restoring biodiversity, and creating long-term economic opportunities.

On his part, Dr Brown men­tioned that the company’s project was timely as government, in part­nership with the private sector, was aiming at planting about 30 million trees across the country.

He said 40 per cent of the 30 million trees would be planted by the private sector and so “this ‘Akwaaba Project’ is an evidence to show the world that Ghana is serious about deforestation by restoring degraded landscapes and ensuring we fight climate change”.

According to the chief executive the company has been given 50 years lease to operate in the coun­try and currently focused on the Western North.

He commended Rainforest Builder Ghana for its committ­ment to creating jobs and promot­ing sustainable development in the regions where they operate.

FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, BASSENGELE, BIBIANI

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