As the country’s forest disappears, tree planting has become a number one drive to effectively conserve nature and reduce the impact of carbon emissions as the target to halve emissions nears the corner. Damongo – a community in the Savannah Region, is implementing a community led initiative, dubbed, the “Green Damongo Project” to plant over 32,000 trees in the coming years to become climate resilient.
Mahogany is the choice of tree species selected for the Green Damongo Project due to its ability to absorb carbon, limit soil erosion and economic timber product benefit among others. The location is among communities up north reeling from deforestation due to bush burning, tree felling for charcoal production, cattle grazing and agriculture.
The project will be implemented in three phases – the first being the planting of some two thousand, 670 trees along major roads within the community and other selected sites such as the old and new markets, as well as the stretch from Military Junction to the hospital.
The second will cover about 66 kilometers on each side of the road between Jojo Pe and Damongo, while the road between Damongo and Sieyiri, totaling about 83 kilometers, would cover the third phase. The District Chief Executive, Mr. Musah Karim Kusobari, explains further how they plan to counteract the drivers of deforestation in the area.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel Jinapor, at the forefront of the project, encouraged the people of Damongo to support the project as a concrete step to protecting the environment.
The Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Nyadia Sulemana Nelson, lauded the initiative seen as ultimately supporting the government’s Greening Ghana initiative started three years ago. Along the line, cassia trees would also be planted to beautify the township.
