Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor has inaugurated a National Planning Committee to oversee the success of the Ghana Green Street Project.
The Project, another consequential programme being implemented by the Government forms part of measures to combat climate change and beautify Ghanaian cities.
The objective will be to plant appropriate tree species capable of providing both aesthetic view and environmental related benefits for a healthy and sustainable world.
The Minister disclosed these at the inauguration of the Committee on Tuesday in Accra.
It comprises the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; The Ministry of Roads and Highways; The Forestry Commission; The Ghana Highway Authority; The Department of Urban Roads; The Department of Parks and Gardens; Zoomlion Ghana Limited; and Mullen Lowe.
Mr. Jinapor stressed events around the world call for urgent action to halt the devastating effect of climate change.
He said, “Record-breaking heatwaves, ravaging fires across the European landscape and disruptive climate patterns have become the reality of the day.”
“It is for this reason that last year, we launched the Green Ghana Day to restore our lost forest cover and contribute to global efforts at halting climate change.”
He noted that apart from contributing to climate action, trees also play an important role in the beautification of cities, increase the quality of air and also contribute to good health and well-being.
A look around some of the major cities across the world, he said, 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.”
“Government has, therefore, decided to implement this Ghana Green Street Project, as part of measures to beautify our cities and contribute to global climate action,” he said.
The Project is expected to begin with the planting of trees along streets and avenues in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi, which will form the First Phase and gradually extended to all the 16 regional capitals of the country.
According to him, such a robust and ambitious Project requires a dedicated team from relevant stakeholders to see to the design and execution of the Project.
The Committee is tasked to identify principal or major streets and avenues in the cities where trees will be planted; identify 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; and to propose sources of funding for the execution of the project.
“As the rains continue to fall, it is expected that the Committee will start work immediately, so that we can take advantage of the current season,” he added.
The government, he said, 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 expressed trust in the institutions represented on the Committee, and the expertise of the members to realise the noble goal of the project.
