The government has launched the 2024 Green Ghana Day campaign with a target of planting an additional ten million (10,000,000) trees in the country. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor at the launch in Tamale in the Northern Region on Tuesday (April 16, 2024) announced the exercise for this year would be held under the theme: “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow” emphasising the need to, not just plant trees, but ensure the growth of trees planted to reach maturity and contribute to the fight against climate change.
According to the Minister, available data shows that between 2010 and 2015 alone, the amount of forest the country lost, far exceeds the area of forest cultivated between 1963 and 2016, a whopping fifty-three (53) years, which stands at one hundred and fifty-seven thousand, three hundred hectares (157,300 ha).
He bemoaned that the climate crisis is worsening by the day with global temperatures rising for a record-breaking tenth month in a row since June last year.
“Just last week, the United Nations said soaring temperatures are putting millions of children in Asia at risk of diseases and death. These rising temperatures have an enormous impact on health, food production, access to water, among others, particularly for agrarian economies like ours” he asserted.
The Damongo Member of Parliament said this therefore underscores the need for all citizens as well as both state and non-state actors to actively participate in this aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme.
“As it has been over the years, we will rely on all of you; our revered chiefs, queen-mothers, religious and faith-based organisations, Ministers, Parliamentarians, Judges, public servants, civil servants, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers, Nurses, Security Personnel, Artisans, private sector organisations, Civil Society Organisations, students, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Development Partners, and all persons living in Ghana, to achieve this target” he appealed.
Mr. Jinapor stressed the need to inculcate the values of planting and nurturing of trees among the citizenry particularly the younger generation to mitigate climate change and beautify the communities and environment.
He proudly reported that in the last three years of the implementation of the programme, some forty-two million (42,000,000) trees have been planted across the country which he added has been verified by independent audit.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, for his part said the greening Ghana campaign is not merely a symbolic gesture but a concrete action with enormous benefits including economic growth, job creation and fosters community resilience.
He noted by embracing sustainable practices and investing in green infrastructure, the country can build a brighter future and more sustainable future for all.“Let us embrace this moment with the promise to nurture and protect our environment. Each tree planted and all efforts to preserve our natural resources are steps towards a healthier and vibrant earth” he implored.
