690,000 hectares of forests have been cultivated under the Forest Plantation Strategy between 2017 to 2022 through initiatives such as forest plantation, enrichment planting and trees-on-farm.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor disclosed this at the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day on Friday at the University of Ghana, Legon.
He stated that the theme for Green Ghana Day, “Our Forests, Our Health,” was inspired by the theme for this year’s International Day of Forests, which is observed on March 21 each year, emphasizing the importance of forests, and for that matter trees for health and the survival of planet earth.
“According to expert reports, one matured tree can provide oxygen for up to ten (10) people annually. This is how essential trees are to our very survival,” he noted.
Mr Jinapor asserted that the Green Ghana Day seeks to awaken the consciousness of Ghanaians on the importance of trees, scale up national awareness on forest protection and preservation and demonstrate to the world in a more significant and practical way, the nation’s commitment to implementing nature-based solutions to halt climate change.
He informed Ghanaians that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission would continue to give assistance for the nurturing of the trees planted and urged people to take responsibility for nursing trees in their homes, offices and communities to reach maturity.
The Minister urged all Ghanaians to “kindly take a moment out of your schedule and plant a tree in support of this noble undertaking.”
The Green Ghana Project was instituted by the Government in 2021 as part of an aggressive national afforestation programme to restore the country’s lost forest cover and contribute to global fight against climate change.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
