The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has announced that government is targeting to plant 10 million tree seedlings across the country to commemorate the 2024 edition of Green Ghana Day. This, he said, was to maintain the remarkable progress made since the campaign was launched in 2021.
Hon. A. Jinapor made the remarks when he addressed the media at the Ministers’ Press Briefing at the Ministry of Information Press Centre in Accra yesterday.
“This year’s goal is to plant 10 million trees, with 6 million seedlings allocated to degraded Forest Reserves and 4 million to be planted in various locations such as farms, watershed areas, and communities. The seedlings will be a diverse range of tree species, including timber, fruit, and ornamental trees, to suit regional climate conditions”, He emphasized.
Under the theme “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” Hon. A. Jinapor added that the Day will emphasize sustainability, environmental conservation, and future well-being of the country.
Reflecting on the gains towards environmental sustainability, the Minister revealed that, beginning with a target of 5 million trees in the maiden edition, the Green Ghana initiative has exceeded all expectations, with over 41 million trees planted with some 30,000,000 surviving to date.
“So far, field Assessment Report shows that, on average, we had sixty-seven percent (67%) survival rate in 2021, seventy-two percent (72%) in 2022, and eighty-one percent (81%) in 2023. This meant that we have some thirty million (30,000,000) trees surviving to date and our task continuous to be to nurture them,” He noted.
The Minister also announced the launch of ‘One Student, One-Tree’ initiative which formed part of preparations towards the 2024 Green Ghana Day slated for Friday, June 7.
Hon. A. Jinapor noted that President Akufo-Addo would lead the nation in a commemorative tree-planting event at Nicholson Stadium, Burma Camp, Accra on Friday, June 7, 2024.
He appealed to all citizens, residents, organizations, and government bodies across Ghana to support the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in making the 2024 Green Ghana Day a resounding success.
He urged the media to mobilize widespread participation and spread the message of environmental stewardship. According to the Minister, the initiative stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological resilience. Planting and conserving trees remain indispensable for the health of the planet and the well-being of present and future generations, the Minister added.
“Let us unite on Green Ghana Day to nurture our green legacy and secure a greener, more vibrant future for all”, he reiterated.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
