The national tree planting exercise dubbed “Green Ghana Project”, an initiative which is being championed by the government of Ghana with support from the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of lands and natural resources, to plant trees as part of efforts to preserve the environment was launched at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at the main campus of the University in Sunyani.
The event saw in attendance the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Elvis Asare Bediako, The Bono regional minister, Hon. Justina Owusu Banahene, the Regional Manager of Forest Services, Mr. Isaac Nobel Eshun, reps of traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, heads of sister tertiary institutions in the region, staff and students of the university.
Giving the welcome address Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako outlined the contribution of the university to the region, in the area of afforestation, stating that the university has presented over 27,000 to the forestry department for onward distribution. “It is not a coincidence that the UENR was chosen as the venue for the launch because taking into consideration the nationwide goal to plant 5 million trees in a day, which has been subsequently broken down to 250,000 trees to be planted for Bono Region. I am glad to inform you that UENR has presently over 27,000 seedlings which have been offered to the Forestry Department for onward distribution” he noted.
With regards to the nurturing and maintenance of the trees, the Vice-Chancellor added that a monitoring and evaluation team will be set up by the university in collaboration with the Forestry Commission. He assured saying “I promise that the University in conjunction with the Forestry Commission is to ensure that these trees are nurtured. We’re also going to train and educate farmers as well, that will have the chance to be given some of these trees, so we want to assure you that these trees nurtured.”
The Regional Forestry Manager, Mr. Isaac Noble Eshun addressing guests on the purpose of gathering stated the need for the creation of an enhanced national awareness on the necessities of collective action. He added that the project will go a long way to green and beautify our communities and towns, and also inculcate in the youth the values of planting and nurturing trees and the associated benefits.
The Bono Regional Minister; Hon. Justina Owusu Banahene in her address outlined some dangers in the cutting down of trees on our environment and called on all gathered to take up tree planting as a responsibility to safeguard our natural environment, our health, and our economy.
The national Let’s Go Planting campaign is targeted at planting 5 million trees a day to restore our fast depleting forests.