Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says the Green Ghana Day is just the beginning of a long-term Project to restore the lost forest cover of the country.
In a statement, Mr Jinapor said while we say thank you to all and sundry and reaffirm commitment to ensure the survival of the trees planted, the Ministry will continue to enhance ongoing afforestation programmes.
The statement on behalf of the Government also expressed profound gratitude to all who participated in the national exercise of planting at least five million trees on the Green Ghana Day.
It indicated that, provisional reports from the Forestry Commission prove that the five million trees target was exceeded.
He expressed gratitude to the President and the Vice President, for their foresight and support throughout the planning and execution of this ambitious national undertaking.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin; the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah; the Chairman and Members of the Council of State and the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The statement also expressed gratitude to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin; the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II; the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; the President and Members of the National House of Chiefs; Ministers of State; Members of Parliament; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; the Clergy; Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); Members of the Security Services as well as staff of various ministries, Ghana Education Service and Corporate Ghana.
It above all, thanked the ordinary citizens for their overwhelming co-operation and participation in the national exercise. The statement finally congratulated the Forestry Commission that led the exercise and the National Planning Committee, Chaired by Deputy Minister Designate, Benito Owusu-Bio.
By: Felix Cofie.
