The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, is commending the government’s dedication to aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs since assuming office in 2017.
At the launch of the 4th Green Ghana Day in Tamale, Minister Jinapor highlighted various initiatives contributing to this success, including the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, the Cocoa and Forests Initiative, the Green Street Project, and several others funded by the Forest Plantation Development Fund.
For him, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, these initiatives have resulted in the cultivation of nearly 721,000 hectares of forests between 2017 and 2023.
Moreover, the Minister expressed pride in the nation’s accomplishments, citing the planting of 42 million trees over the past three years, exceeding targets annually and validated by independent audits.
He extended gratitude to all for their support in achieving the milestones.
Addressing the alarming deforestation rates between 2010 and 2015, Minister Abu Jinapor underscored the importance of the Green Ghana Day as part of the government’s broader efforts to combat forest degradation and climate change.
He commended the ban on certain forestry activities in Northern Ghana, which has contributed to the protection of endangered species and forest cover preservation.
In line with fostering national awareness and collective action, the Minister announced plans to plant an additional 10 million trees during the 2024 Green Ghana Day, themed “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow.”
He said it is important to ensure that the planted trees grow to maturity, echoing the efforts of local leaders such as Ya-Na Abukari II
Mr. Abu Jinapor called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, government officials, educators, healthcare workers and citizens, to unite in achieving this ambitious goal.
He emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting the environment for present and future generations, invoking the adage, “When the last tree dies, the last man dies.”
