By Charles Tawiah
Nkawie, June 9, GNA – Mr. Wisdom Osei Boamah, Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), led officials to inspect the Presidential Tree at Nkawie under the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, expressing satisfaction with its healthy growth a year after planting.
The tree was planted by President John Dramani Mahama on March 21, 2025, during the launch of the initiative behind Nkawie Kufuor Park as part of a nationwide effort to combat deforestation and restore landscapes degraded by illegal mining and other human activities.
Inspecting the tree as part of activities marking this year’s anniversary of the initiative, Mr. Boamah described its growth as encouraging and commended officials of the Forestry Commission for the care and maintenance provided since it was planted.
“It is inspiring to witness how well this tree has developed. This reaffirms the importance of our collective commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said, while expressing appreciation to the Forestry Commission for its stewardship.
Mr. Boamah urged residents to plant and nurture at least one tree in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities to complement the national initiative, stressing that trees remain essential to human survival.
He emphasised that trees play critical roles in preserving biodiversity, improving air quality, mitigating climate change, and creating a healthier environment for present and future generations.
“Let us protect our environment together and leave behind a greener, safer and more sustainable society for all,” he stated.
Mr. Abraham Essel, the Nkawie District Forestry Manager, said tree-planting activities under this year’s initiative would cover more than 300 hectares of forest reserves within the district.
He explained that 20 hectares would be developed under the Forestry Commission’s Model Plantation Programme, while 287 hectares would be planted under the Modified Taungya System within forest reserves.
In addition, 20,000 seedlings have been earmarked for distribution to farmers.
Mr. Essel further disclosed that another 20 hectares would be planted under the Forestry Commission’s Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) initiative as part of this year’s activities.
He encouraged the public to actively participate in the exercise, noting that the objective was to restore Ghana’s forest cover and replace trees lost within forest reserves.
Mr. Essel stressed that achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes required a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure inclusive environmental protection and the equitable sharing of both national and international benefits.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Charles Tawiah