Accra, June 15, GNA – in alignment with the Government’s Green Ghana Project, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister and Member of Parliament for Damongo, has initiated ‘Green Damongo Project’ a privately-led tree planting drive in his constituency.
The initiative is intended to plant 32,000 tree seedlings in Damongo and its surrounding areas to beautify the constituency and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Mr Jinapor launched the ‘Green Damongo Project’ at a ceremony in Damongo on Friday, June 14, which saw the MP underscoring his unalloyed commitment to greening Ghana and building a resilient ecosystem.
The first phase of Green Damongo project will involve planting approximately 2,670 trees along major roads in the town and selected sites including the old and new markets, the Agric College junction to Kasha restaurant, from Sawla highway to the RCC, as well as the road from the Military Junction to the hospital.
The second phase will extend over 66 kilometres on each side of the road between Jojo Pe and Damongo, while the third phase will encompass each side of the road between Damongo and Sieyiri, totaling 83 kilometres.
Tree species selected for the Green Damongo Project include the Savannah Mahogany and Cassia.
Mr Jinapor, in an address, charged the constituents to be custodians of environmental sustainability by embracing the project and assume the responsibility of protecting the environment from harmful practices.
He highlighted the objectives of the Green Damongo project including raising awareness on the need for collective action to restore the degraded landscape in Damongo and instil the values of tree planting and nurturing them to maturity.
“I stand before you today, in all humility and modesty, to say that, the Green Ghana Day initiative has been wholeheartedly embraced by the entire citizenry and residents of Ghana. As Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, under whose stewardship this project was birthed, I have decided to bring the project home,” he said.
“For it is said, “the power of a great idea is amplified when it is shared with the place that holds your heart.
“This morning, I am honoured to share with you a vision that is close to my heart and crucial for the future of our community, “the Green Damongo Project.” Ours is a Constituency that is blessed with vibrant people, rich culture, and a promising future.
“However, to ensure that our future remains bright, we must take concrete steps today to safeguard our environment. One such step is the planting of trees on the medians of our roads.
“Therefore, it is with great pleasure and deep sense of optimism that I unite with you once again, to launch this significant initiative, in our beloved Constituency. Today, we come together not just as natives and residents of Damongo, but as custodians of our environment, united by a shared responsibility to nurture and protect the natural environment that sustains us,” Mr Jinapor stated.
The colourful ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including traditional leaders, the Municipal Chief Executive for Damongo, Mr Musah Karim Kusobari, and Deputy CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr. Nyadia Sulemana Nelson.
There was a commemorative tree planting to symbolically outdoor the initiative.
Mr Karim Musah, the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, paid special tribute to the Lands Minister for the initiative, describing it as a laudable gesture that would go a long to help curb deforestation and land degradation in the area.
He explained that the municipality would ensure the success of the project by forming committees to monitor and nurture the trees planted.
The Green Ghana Project was launched in 2021 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It is under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.
The initiative has become a significant action for protecting and enhancing Ghana’s forest cover.
GNA