The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has inaugurated a 9-member National Planning committee to spearhead the Green Ghana Project.
The committee is made up of representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; Ministry of Roads & Highways; The Forestry Commission; The Ghana Highway Authority; The Department of Urban Roads; The Department of Parks and Gardens;Â Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Mullen Lowe.
The overarching objective of this Project is to plant appropriate tree species capable of providing both aesthetic view and environmental related benefits for a healthy and sustainable world.
It is also to restore lost forest cover and contribute to global efforts at halting climate change.
Addressing the media at a presser yesterday, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, noted that apart from trees contributing to climate action, they also play an important role in the beautification of our cities, the quality of the air we breathe and contribute to good health and well-being.
Another reason for the project, according to the Minister, is the record-breaking heatwave, ravaging fires across the European landscape and disruptive climate patterns that have become the reality of the day.
“A look around some of the major cities across the world reveals an intentional planting of particular types of trees, to add to the aesthetics of the city. London in the United Kingdom, Paris in France and to some extent Cairo in Egypt, Abuja in Nigeria and Abidjan in Ivory Coast are just a few examples.” he stated.
The Project, he disclosed, will begin with the planting of trees along streets and avenues in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi.
“These four cities will form the First Phase of the Project and will gradually be extended to all the sixteen (16) regional capitals of our country.” he added.
The CommitteeÂ
The Minister stated that the Committee, which is to start work immediately, will be co-chaired by the Deputy Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources and that of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
The committee’s terms of reference, the Minister made known are “To identify principal or major streets and avenues in the cities where trees will be planted; resilient and fast-growing tree species to be planted in each of the regional capitals of the country; develop detailed strategy, work plan and budget for the project, including strategies for nurturing and protecting the trees planted.”
It will also propose sources of funding for the execution of the project. As the rains continue to fall, it is expected that we can take advantage of the current season.
“The Government of President Akufo-Addo is committed to a greener, cleaner and beautiful environment that contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (building sustainable cities and communities) and Goal 13 (combating climate change),” he concluded.
