By: Peter Narteh-Agbeyome – Freelance/Digital Journalist
THE TREE for Life Reforestation Initiative, a national tree planting exercise, was launched at the South Tongu Municipality premises in Sogakofe, Volta Region.
The event drew participation from heads of departments, assembly members, and representatives from the Member of Parliament, Forestry Commission, School of Hygiene, Ho, and others.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Madam Victoria Dzeklo, emphasized the importance of tree planting, highlighting the need to stop bush fires and participate in tree planting activities. She noted that the available seedlings would provide both economic and environmental benefits.
At the Municipal Assembly, Madam Victoria Dzeklo, the Coordinator/Secretary to the Assembly, Setsofia Kpenu, the Presiding Member, Mensah Kwaku Kudze, Assembly Members Peter Narteh (Dalive-Torzikpota, Adutor, Hlevi-Toklokpo, and Agbadzakofe Electoral Area), Francis Quashie Agbedeke, Promise Kwaku Agbanyo, and Prosper Dzimado, the Representative for the MP, Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, the NYA Director, School of Hygiene – Ho students, and others planted trees to commemorate the day. Before planting the first tree, Madam Dzeklo spoke about the importance of trees to humans and encouraged the South Tongu Municipal members to nurture the planted trees.
The South Tongu Municipal Forestry Commission representative underscored the initiative’s importance, saying it aims to restore Ghana’s lost forest cover. The initiative is a collaboration between the Forestry Commission, local assemblies, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and environmental groups.
Some of the tree species planted included mahogany, fruit trees such as mango and guava.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, announced in Parliament that the government would distribute 20 million tree seedlings nationwide under the initiative. “This is a critical national exercise. We will plant over 20 million seedlings of various tree species—timber, fruit, ornamental, and shade trees,” the Minister said. “Unlike the past where the tree planting was held on a single day, the Tree for Life initiative will span nearly a month, giving every Ghanaian the opportunity to take part.”
The national tree planting exercise will run from June 5 to June 30, 2025, with a focus on promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability. The Minister urged Members of Parliament to lead by example and participate actively in the exercise.
The “Tree for Life” programme builds on the achievements of the previous Green Ghana Day campaign, which was launched during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, with a broader scope and extended planting window to allow for wider participation across the country.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
