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Ghana is known for its diverse animal life, miles of sandy beaches along a picturesque coast, and beautiful forests covering more than 21% of the country. Since the early 1990s, Ghana has lost more than 30% of its forests approximately 2.5 million hectares.
With a remarkable 80% of Ghanaians depending on forests for their livelihoods, deforestation has a major impact on communities.
To reverse this trend, Ghana’s government is focused on improving land management, planting trees, and protecting forests. This project is also a part of the AFRI100, an initiative to restore more than 100 million hectares of land across Africa by 2030.
The Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) has implored Ghanaians to constantly plant a tree to mitigate the effect of climate change.
Most communities are losing their green spaces to population growth and building infrastructural development, thus, intensifying the severity of climate change.
Addressing pupils at Esaase Methodists School in the Afigya Kwabre North District, Northern Sector Manager of TIDD, Mr. Hayford Eshun highlighted the benefits of greening the environment.
According to him, trees are fundamental to life. They are ecosystem engineers for the great forests, providing habitat for innumerable plant and animal species.
They help to filter rainwater and improve water quality, and provide a host of other ecosystem services.
Mr. Eshun also took the opportunity to educate the pupils about the importance of sustainable forestry for the long-term health of the economy and natural resources.
“Trees improve soil health by protecting it from wind and rain, absorbing water, and building stability with their root structures,” he said.
The Deputy Director of Planning and Statistics in the Afigya Kwabre North District, Mr. Thomas Amoako urge the management and pupils of the school and the host community to consider the tress around the school an endowment and strive to maintain it for humanity.
“Planting trees in Ghana will help create young, resilient forests that can absorb carbon, clean the water and air, and recover from fire, drought, and flooding,” he added.
Nana Yaw Owusu/Ashanti Region.
