Source: newsthemegh.com
On June 9, 2023, yesterday, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, participated in the ceremonial tree-planting ceremony for the third time in a row, demonstrating his continuous support for the government’s reforestation initiative.
The Asantehene, who serves as the project’s chief patron, has repeatedly shown his dedication to the admirable and life-saving initiative. He confirmed his belief by launching the third iteration of the project in the Ashanti Region.
The highly revered King planted the first tree of the 2023 edition at Royal Golf Course in Kumasi, accompanied by dignitaries including the deputy minister of lands and natural resources in charge of forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah, and mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne, among a host of others.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II examined the two ceremonial trees he planted in 2021 and 2022 to make sure they are progressing well before planting his third in three years.
The Asantehene expressed his enthusiasm for the project, which aims to restore Ghana’s forest cover, contribute to the country’s beautification, and generate economic value through the growing of cash crops, and expressed his awe at the trees’ rapid growth.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II gave a brief speech after planting the tree in which he asked Ghanaians to fully support the initiative because everyone would profit from it.
The deputy minister of lands who oversees forestry, for his part, praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his ongoing demonstration of “commitment and selflessness” for the Green Ghana project.
“I would want to convey my sincere appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for accepting our offer to lead Asantemen in planting trees as part of the events of Green Ghana Day.
We are very appreciative of your selflessness and commitment to ensuring the protection and sustainable management of our natural resources, Your Royal Majesty, for which we also invited you to launch the 2023 Edition of the Green Ghana Day a few weeks ago despite your busy schedules.
Benito Owusu-Bio urged the populace and establishments to set an example of Otumfuo’s commitment by participating in the tree-planting event in large numbers.
Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio emphasized the goal of 10 million trees for the 2023 edition and said that seedlings had been made at various designated locations and that the government would keep up its vigorous push to restore the nation’s forests.
“Your Royal Majesty, this year’s national goal has been established at 10 million trees by the President of the Republic. As a result, we anticipate planting at least 10 million trees on this day. Asanteman has consistently accepted challenges with grace, and this year won’t be any different.
To restore our lost vegetative cover and help the worldwide fight against climate change, he added, “The need to plant trees is very clear to us and we have no choice but to embark on an aggressive afforestation/reforestation drive.”
Mr. Owusu-Bio pleaded with the populace to understand that planting trees is a process that must result in the seedling’s entire growth rather than a one-day event.
“Let’s make deliberate attempts to maintain and raise the trees to maturity as we plant them today. The objective has been decreased to nurture what has already been planted to ensure a higher survival rate because what we plant is frequently ignored and uncared for, he said.
“The oxygen available to mankind is reducing gradually, so it’s better we plant more trees for our survival,” stated Simon Osei Mensah, regional minister for Ashanti. We also gain from it in terms of diet, medicine, and other areas. He advised that we all participate in it.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo created the Green Ghana Day in 2021 as a part of a vigorous national reforestation/afforestation initiative to replace Ghana’s lost forest cover and to support worldwide efforts to slow down climate change. On June 11 of 2021, the first edition was held, and an estimated 7 million tree saplings were planted throughout the country.