MLNR-PR UPDATES
In an effort to encourage afforestation and agroforestry, Ghana’s president, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, launched the “Tree for Life” initiative on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Seven million decorative and food crop seedlings will be distributed by the government to the public, private sector, and various government agencies for planting as part of the effort.
Raising awareness of the vital role trees play in preserving the environment, halting climate change, repairing rivers and lands damaged by illicit mining (galamsey), and encouraging Ghanaian youth to practice environmental stewardship are all goals of the “Tree for Life” campaign.
President Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to environmental preservation while speaking at an event at the Ashanti Region’s Nkawie.
He disclosed that he had instructed the Environment Minister to start the process of repealing LI 2462, which was successfully presented to Parliament on Thursday, March 20. The process is anticipated to be completed in 21 days, at which point the President’s authority to permit mining in forest reserves will no longer exist.
“Our efforts to protect Ghana’s environment go beyond combating illegal mining. We are also focused on reclaiming degraded lands,” President Mahama stated.
With a short-term objective of recovering 10,000 hectares, he mentioned a successful pilot project that recovered 16 hectares of land and expects to grow this up to 500 acres of reclaimed area annually.
The President clarified that the “Tree for Life” campaign is a component of a larger plan to restore river systems that have been harmed by illicit mining.
Additionally, he disclosed that by June 2025, Ghana plans to start exporting timber registered under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) system.
A feather in the cap for Ghana’s climate change efforts, this milestone will make Ghana the first nation in Africa and the second in the world, after Indonesia, to obtain FLEGT certification.
“The FLEGT initiative ensures that only sustainably sourced timber is imported into the European Union, combating illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest management,” President Mahama explained.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals—a commitment by countries to limit average global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius. “As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must accelerate our efforts to meet climate and biodiversity targets.”
The “Tree for Life” campaign is more than just an environmental initiative, according to President Mahama. “It is about hope, resilience, and a sustainable future.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, gave a summary of the program in his speech, highlighting its timeliness in furthering international ecological preservation initiatives.
He said that the government will begin a large awareness effort to inform Ghanaians about the value of trees in the upcoming months.
All Ghanaians and the diplomatic community were urged to support the proposal by Hon. Buah.
“The Forestry Commission and partnering institutions will provide seedlings to all participants. The success of this initiative is dependant on the collective action of all.“ Let us all rise to the challenge, plant trees, nurture them, and ensure that Ghana becomes a beacon of environmental resilience. Together, we will make Ghana green, vibrant, and sustainable for future generations.”
The initiative’s ability to lower unemployment and generate jobs was also praised by the minister.
“We will collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to create sustainable livelihoods through fish farming, pig farming, apiculture, and agroforestry schemes. These efforts will improve rural livelihoods and enhance food security.” Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, praised the idea and promised the Ashanti Region’s complete participation.
Source: newsthemegh.com