The Minister for lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has called on all Ghanaians to support the Green Ghana Project, which his ministry introduced three years ago.
According to him, the successful execution of the project will help Ghana to contribute her quota towards the global fight against climate change.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s tree planting exercise in Tamale yesterday, Minister Jinapor drew the attention of Ghanaians to the alarming statistics, indicating record-breaking temperatures and ecological threats and the need to support the conservation efforts to stem the tide.
According to the minister, since the project started three years ago, over 42 million trees have been planted nationwide, surpassing targets and exceeding expectations.
He announced an ambitious target of planting an additional ten million trees during this year’s Green Ghana Day, which is slated for June. It will be under the theme: “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow.”
The theme, he told the gathering of chiefs and others, summarises the essence of nurturing planted trees to maturity, thereby maximizing their contribution to climate resilience.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of stakeholders and Ghanaians across various sectors, Minister 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.
In the keynote address, delivered by his representative, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II emphasised the significance of the Green Ghana Day Project initiated by President Akufo-Addo and reflected on the commendable progress made, since its inception in 2021.
“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.
Ya-Na 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 advised the sector minister to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding shea tree cultivation and safeguarding existing wild trees from annual bushfires.
The Dagbon 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.
In his welcome address, Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, at the launch of the 2024 Green Ghana Day 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.
