The event, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana, and the Forestry Commission, provided a platform for learning, policy awareness, and enhanced collaboration among key actors in Ghana’s forestry and cocoa sectors. It generated outcomes that will inform the development of the Joint Action Agenda for the establishment of Multi-stakeholder Platform for the HIA governance structures.

The Executive Director of Forest Services Directorate of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Gordon Sarfo Adu, in his opening remarks at the Dialogue, call the Dialogue timely, underscoring MTS and other restoration approaches such as the private sector plantations development as key to delivering on the Commissions mandate with inclusive community-led forest restoration that is livelihood-friendly. Speaking at the Dialogue, Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, emphasized the importance of MTS in promoting both ecological restoration and improved livelihoods.

“On behalf of UNDP Ghana, I extend deep appreciation to the Forestry Commission, project partners, and all stakeholders who continue to champion sustainable forest management and resilient landscapes in Ghana. The Modified Taungya System (MTS) is more than a reforestation approach; it is a proven model that restores degraded forests while enhancing livelihoods for farmers. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana and local communities in scaling up innovative models such as MTS and advancing tenure security as a cornerstone of sustainable forest management,” she stated.

During the Dialogue, Valerie Fummey Nassah, Director of Plantations at the Forestry Commission, delivered an in-depth presentation on the Modified Taungya System. She traced the history of forest plantations in Ghana, noting the challenges that necessitated the adoption of MTS as an alternative model. She explained that MTS emerged as a more inclusive and sustainable system compared to earlier plantation approaches, highlighting its uniqueness in integrating forest restoration with livelihood opportunities for farmers.

“The Modified Taungya System emerged as a response to the limitations of earlier plantation models. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it not only restores degraded forests but also creates direct livelihood opportunities for farmers. By integrating communities into forest restoration, MTS has proven to be a strong and inclusive model. Yet, we must continue to strengthen it to overcome the remaining challenges and ensure it achieves its full potential for both people and the environment,” she said.

Her presentation elaborated further on the roles and benefits of MTS, particularly in strengthening partnerships between local communities and the state in managing and restoring degraded forests. By allowing farmers to cultivate food crops alongside newly planted trees in forest reserves, MTS has created a win-win model that provides immediate livelihood support while ensuring long-term ecological restoration. However, Nassah underscored that the system still faces challenges that need continuous attention, including issues of sustainability, equitable benefit sharing, and consistent policy support.

The Director of Climate Change at the Forestry Commission, Dr. Joseph Appiah-Gyapong, noted that the MTS is a powerful initiative aimed at addressing the destruction of Ghana’s forests.

“As part of the MTS regime, we create awareness among farmers to understand that it is better to have crops while protecting the forest than to destroy it through illegal mining,” he explained.

Dr. Appiah-Gyapong further emphasized that the carbon payments component under the MTS serves as a strong incentive, motivating farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices while contributing to forest restoration and climate action.

Overall, participants recognized that while MTS has already demonstrated strong potential for restoring degraded forests and improving livelihoods, greater effort is needed to address remaining challenges and unlock its full benefits. The Dialogue thus reaffirmed the collective commitment of stakeholders to strengthen MTS implementation and advance tenure security as essential components of sustainable cocoa-forest landscapes in Ghana.