Ghana has launched its 2024 Green Ghana Day initiative, aiming to plant 10 million trees across the country. The project, themed “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” is a national effort to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change.
This year’s target marks a significant increase from previous editions. In 2021, the inaugural Green Ghana Day saw the planting of seven million trees. The program expanded in 2022 with 26 million trees planted, and another 10 million last year.
Minister Urges Collective Action to Address Climate Crisis
Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change during the launch ceremony. He highlighted rising global temperatures and their devastating impact on health, food production, and water access.
“The Green Ghana Project is one of the measures the government has adopted to curb deforestation and contribute to the global fight against climate change,” Jinapor said.
The Minister commended traditional authorities in Northern Ghana for their efforts in protecting forests and applauded the nationwide ban on Rosewood harvesting, which has helped preserve this endangered tree species.
Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, echoed the Minister’s call for collective action. He urged traditional authorities to prioritize tree planting and combat environmental degradation within their jurisdictions.
The Ya-Na commended the Green Ghana Day initiative for its role in restoring degraded lands and promoting economic opportunities, particularly for women in rural areas who depend on trees for their livelihoods.
Planting Trees for a Sustainable Future
The 10 million trees planted during this year’s Green Ghana Day will be distributed across various locations. Six million seedlings will be designated for degraded forest reserves, while the remaining four million will be planted within communities, farms degraded watersheds, and along roadsides.
The Forestry Commission will provide details on seedling distribution points in the coming days to ensure easy access for participants. The government also encourages corporate institutions to participate by adopting sections of forest reserves for tree planting as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Ghana’s Green Ghana Day initiative serves as a model for other countries seeking to address deforestation and promote environmental sustainability. The nationwide tree-planting exercise fosters a sense of collective responsibility and empowers citizens to contribute to a greener future.
Source: Graphic Online
