By Felix Coffee
“Why allow your greed, selfishness and recklessness to be a driving force to destroy the country’s forest and vegetation cover?” The Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has quizzed those involved in illegal mining.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘One-Student-One-Tree’ initiative, which is a key component of the government’s Green Ghana, the Okyehene said posterity will not be kind to this current generation if nothing is done to change the narrative of the destruction being done to the country’s forests and water bodies.
The ‘One-Student-One-Tree’ initiative, which aims to complement the government’s tree planting efforts, sets out to incorporate students of second Cycle institutions in the project, imbibe in Ghana’s youth and children’s population the culture of planting trees, and create awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
The event, held at Abuakwa State College in Kyebi, saw the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP, join the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who praised the long-term benefits of environmental initiatives like Green Ghana Day, to plant a tree to signify their commitment and dedication to the project.
The Okyenhene urged the students to actively engage in the project, contributing to global efforts to build a sustainable and resilient climate that will shield humanity from harsh and unfavourable climatic conditions.
“I am proud to say that we have been instrumental in the success of Green Ghana Day since its inception in 2021. Our ancestors used their souls and spirits to protect the forests, and it is now our responsibility to do the same,” the Okyehene said.
“It is crucial to protect your future. Our elders taught us not to destroy assets because they retain their value. We have decimated our forests and water reserves, and we are now experiencing the impacts of climate change,” he added.
“To the students, you are undertaking this to safeguard your future, so participate fully. Guard your future and preserve it for generations to come,” he stated.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, congratulated the Okyenhene for his visionary and exemplary leadership, which has spanned over 25 years.
He also commended Okyenhene for his consistent advice and assistance to various government initiatives and policies, including the Green Ghana project.
“Let me begin by congratulating His Royal Highness, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for twenty-five years of exceptional leadership and his relentless pursuit of excellence for his people and the nation as a whole.
Today, we honor a leader whose steadfast dedication, vision, service, and commitment have significantly shaped the Abuakwa Traditional Area, as well as the nation and humanity,” he said.
Providing historical context to the conversation about the urgency of the Green Ghana Project, Hon. Jinapor reminded the audience of Ghana’s precarious situation regarding forest reserve protection and the progress made with the planting of over 42 million trees since 2021.
The Minister detailed the One-Student-One-Tree initiative’s goal to raise awareness about the Green Ghana project and instill a sense of environmental protection in schoolchildren.
“As we join our students to mark the 2024 edition of this remarkable initiative, it is essential to highlight the role of trees in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting human well-being. Trees act as the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They provide habitats for countless species, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to the water cycle. Planting trees is an investment in the natural infrastructure that sustains life on Earth.
It represents our collective duty to protect and ensure a sustainable future. By participating in this program, we aim to instill in our students the significance of caring for the environment, which underpins our economy, society, and existence. Our students must develop a connection to nature, broaden their ecological understanding, and strengthen their responsibility to the world they will inherit.”
The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Eric Hanson Agyei Sarpong, in his closing remarks, appreciated the government and the Ministry for their dedication to the tree planting vision. He encouraged the students to nurture the trees planted to grow.
The “One Student, One Tree” initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards environmental transformation, and its impact is expected to be felt for generations to come.
This year’s Green Ghana Day, scheduled for June 7, 2024, aims to plant 10 million seedlings across the country, with the theme “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow”. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will lead a commemorative tree planting exercise at the Nicholson Stadium in Burma Camp, Accra.
