Privacy Policy

OKO Forests

Effective Date: 1st September 2025

Last Updated: 1st September 2025

1. Introduction

OKO Forests is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or interact with our services related to regenerating degraded land into productive assets through agroforestry.

This policy applies to all visitors and users of our website, including members of the general public, business clients, and local, national, and international policy makers.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and organization details when you fill out contact forms
Communication Data: Messages, inquiries, and correspondence you send to us
Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address and preferences when you sign up for our updates
Professional Information: Job title, organization, and area of interest when relevant to our agroforestry work

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Website Analytics: Page views, time spent on pages, browser type, device information, and general location data
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information about your browsing behavior and preferences
IP Address: For security and analytics purposes
Referral Data: Information about which website or source directed you to our site

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Communication: Responding to inquiries, providing information about our agroforestry projects and services
Newsletter and Updates: Sending you relevant information about land regeneration, policy updates, and our initiatives
Website Improvement: Analyzing website usage to enhance user experience and content
Business Development: Understanding our audience to better serve the agroforestry and land regeneration community
Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements and protecting our legal rights
Research and Policy: Supporting evidence-based approaches to land regeneration and agroforestry (anonymized data only)

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

Remember your preferences and settings
Analyze website traffic and user behavior
Provide social media integration features
Improve website functionality and user experience

Types of Cookies We Use:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (via Google Analytics)
Social Media Cookies: Enable social media sharing and integration features

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect and process your information:

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage patterns. Google Analytics collects anonymous usage data including pages visited, time spent on site, and general location information. For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy.

5.2 Social Media Integrations

Our website includes social media sharing buttons and may integrate with various social media platforms. These platforms may collect information about your visit to our website. Please review the privacy policies of these platforms for more information.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in website operations, analytics, or communications
Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
Business Protection: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific sharing purposes
Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated data for research or policy development purposes

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Secure data transmission protocols
Regular security assessments
Limited access to personal information
Secure data storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specifically:

Contact Form Submissions: Retained for up to 3 years or until the inquiry is resolved
Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
Website Analytics: Anonymized data may be retained for up to 2 years
Communication Records: Retained for up to 5 years for business and legal purposes

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request information about what personal data we hold about you
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
Objection: Object to certain uses of your personal information
Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable

To Exercise Your Rights:

Newsletter Unsubscribe:

You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly.

10. International Data Transfers

As an organization based in Ghana serving local, national, and international stakeholders, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

OKO Forests
Email: info@okoforests.com
Phone: +233544059968
Address: 42 Bank Quarters Road, Gbawe, Accra, Ghana

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website
Updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
Sending email notifications for significant changes (if you have subscribed to our communications)

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Legal Basis for Processing (Ghana Data Protection Act)

Under Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012, we process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific processing activities
Legitimate Interest: For our business operations, research, and policy development related to agroforestry and land regeneration
Legal Obligation: When processing is required to comply with legal requirements
Public Interest: For activities that serve the public interest in environmental protection and sustainable land use

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012, and international best practices for data protection. For specific legal advice regarding data protection compliance, please consult with qualified legal professionals.