By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 15, GNA – MTN Ghana, in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Rainforest Alliance, has undertaken a tree-planting exercise to restore degraded sections of the Chipa Forest Reserve.
The initiative forms part of MTN Ghana’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supports efforts to protect Ghana’s natural ecosystems for future generations.
It was undertaken under MTN Ghana’s “Doing for the Planet” sustainability pillar, which focuses on environmental stewardship and climate action.
The exercise also formed part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration, held under the theme: “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and activities marking its 30th anniversary.
Through the partnership, MTN Ghana is supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 scheduled to be planted when the rains commence.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials of the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in promoting environmental sustainability.
Ms Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, said trees played a critical role in sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
She said trees absorbed carbon dioxide, released oxygen, regulated temperatures, protected soil, supported biodiversity and provided habitats for several species, while also conserving water and reducing erosion.
Ms Fiagbenu said trees were also important in helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change, adding that the reminder that “when the last tree dies, the last person dies,” underscored the need to protect Ghana’s forests.
Ms Linda Ansah, the District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support and described it as a valuable contribution to restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
She said the Chipa Forest Reserve, gazetted in the 1960s, had over the years been affected by illegal logging and unsustainable firewood harvesting, and commended MTN Ghana for incorporating environmental sustainability into its anniversary activities.
Mr Nicholas Jengri, the Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, said tree planting went beyond restoring degraded forests to supporting biodiversity and providing habitats for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife.
He stressed that successful forest restoration required more than planting trees, noting that the seedlings needed to be properly nurtured, monitored and protected to ensure their survival and long-term benefits to communities and ecosystems.
Mr Jengri said the partners had therefore established a monitoring and maintenance plan, including regular assessments and watering where necessary.
He said while MTN Ghana had committed to making tree planting a regular feature of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care employee volunteering programme.
Through the programme, employees would revisit planting sites to monitor progress, replace trees where necessary and undertake additional planting activities.
GNA
Editor Christabel Addo