42 million Trees Planted In 3 Years
…Under Green Ghana Initiative
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has disclosed that a total of 42 million tress, have been planted across the country, in both on and off reserves, since the inception of the Green Ghana Day initiative three years ago.
The figure, he said surpassed the targets and expectations of the Ministry for every year, stressing that, this has been verified by independent audit.
“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 made this known, while addressing a gathering during the launch of this year’s Green Ghana Day in Tamale on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
This year’s event under the theme, “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow” was launched by the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Multipurpose Auditorium in Tamale.
Mr Jinapor, also announced an ambitious target of planting an additional 10 million trees during this year’s Green Ghana Day.
He highlighted the importance of the Green Ghana Project in combating the escalating climate crisis and stressed the need for comprehensive environmental conservation efforts in the wake of alarming statistics indicating record-breaking temperatures and ecological threats.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of stakeholders and Ghanaians across various sectors, Mr Jinapor, called for a unified effort to achieve the set objectives.
He appealed to individuals, communities, corporate entities, and government institutions to actively participate in tree planting activities and support the initiative’s expansion.
“I want to make a special appeal to the chiefs and people of northern Ghana, who could not achieve their targets last year, to come together, mobilize our people, and ensure that this year, we exceed our targets,” the minister appeals.
Yaa Naa speaks
Meanwhile, the revered Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, has declared June 7, as Green Ghana Day, as he implored collective responsibility from all and sundry.
In his keynote address, delivered by his representative, Naa Bapra Zangbalun Yakubu Mahama, the Overlord of Dagbon, emphasized the significance of the Green Ghana Day initiated by President Akuffo Addo and the commendable progress made since its inception in 2021.
The Overlord expressed optimism that, this year’s exercise would surpass previous milestones.
“In the year 2021, 7 million trees were planted. In subsequent years more trees were planted. This year the target is to plant over 10 million tree seedlings,” Yaa Naa announced, underscoring the ambitious goals set for the forthcoming campaign.
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of afforestation, Yaa Naa stressed its pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in the northern regions where erratic rainfall patterns pose significant challenges to livelihoods.
He lauded the initiative’s potential to enhance economic opportunities, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the threat of bushfires, thereby safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In a passionate plea, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II advocated for a concerted effort to promote the cultivation and protection of shea trees, a vital economic resource for the region’s inhabitants.
He urged the Lands Minister, to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding shea tree cultivation and safeguarding existing wild trees from annual bushfires.
The Overlord reiterated his unwavering commitment to championing environmental conservation efforts within the Dagbon Kingdom and beyond.
He called on his paramount and divisional chiefs to actively participate in the Green Ghana Day initiative and ensure its success through diligent oversight and reporting.
Regional Minister
In his welcome address, the Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, highlighted the collective dedication to environmental sustainability while underscoring the importance of proactive measures against pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
Minister Shaibu, expressed gratitude for the attendees’ commitment, recognizing it as a testament to their willingness to safeguard the planet for present and future generations.
He called for drawing inspiration from past achievements and ensuring that actions are sustainable, while acknowledging the indispensable contribution of stakeholders such as invited guests, chiefs, and the press to the success of such endeavors.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Development Studies, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, in his remarks commended the government for such a promising initiative, while urging all to support it for a massive success.
“Government is working on fixing the degrading state of Nature at the moment and the best we can do is to support this government for the good of Ghana and the world”
Also at the event were the Board Chairpersons of the Forestry Commission, the Minerals Development Fund, Deputy CEOs of Agencies, Directors and staff of the Ministry and the Forestry Commission.
Source:Anchorghana.com
