In an effort to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched the 2024 National Green Ghana Day.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Tamale, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor stated that government intends to add 10 million trees to the nation’s forest cover.
He said the choice of the theme, “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow” emphasizes government’s commitment to not just plant trees but ensure that the trees planted grow to maturity and contribute to the fight against climate change.
“The grim statistics call for an all-hands-on-deck approach to halt climate change, and save lives and our planet. The Green Ghana Project is one of the measures the Government of Ghana, under the able and outstanding leadership of President Akufo-Addo, has adopted to curb the incessant degradation of our forests, which has been ongoing for years without any conscious effort to replace them, and to contribute to the global fight against climate change,” he noted.
Mr Jinapor commended the Chiefs of Northern Ghana for their support to the protection of the forest cover of the Savannah zone, including the outright ban placed on all forms of tree harvesting within Savannah Region.
He disclosed that since the institution of the Green Ghana day in 2021, 42 million trees have been planted across the country.
“I am happy and proud to report that in the last three (3) years of its implementation, some forty-two million (42,000,000) trees have been planted across the country, in both on and off reserves, consistently exceeding our targets every year, and this has been verified by independent audit,” he stated.
The Minister urged Ghanaians especially Corporate bodies, to partner the ministry by adopting compartments in Forest Reserves and plant trees, which will be branded in their corporate names after planting, adding that it can be reported as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and efforts towards net zero.
He noted that the Forestry Commission will provide a detailed schedule of seedlings distribution and pick-up points across the country to ensure easy access to seedlings for planting in due course.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
