The Deputy Minister for Lands and Forestry, Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio who is also the Chairman of the 2022 Green Ghana Planning Committee has indicated that government’s aggressive afforestation drive of planting 20 million trees on June 10, 2022 is not an over ambitious target and the initial projections indicate, it is feasible and doable.
He said this on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 during his engagement with UTV Ghana on their Adekye Nsroma Morning show to discuss the 2022 edition of Green Ghana.
Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio indicated that the 20 million target was not an over ambitious project but rather feasible, judging from the success of the 2021 edition and the pre-preparations so far.
The Deputy Lands Minister said government through the Ministry of Lands, Forestry Commission and the National Alternative Employment Livelihood Program (NAELP) have obtained over 20 Million seedlings for planting.
He said this year, 10 million tree seedlings will be planted in forest reserves and compartment areas across Ghana whereas additional 10 million tree seedlings will be planted in towns, villages and cities .
Mr. Benito said the seedlings that will be planted in the forest reserves will be by corporate bodies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which will also help in efforts to combat climate change.
The Deputy Minister also mentioned One-Student, One-Tree initiative which was launched in Cape Coast, the initiative is to encourage the student to learn how to “nurture the tree seedlings as their babies”.
Speaking on issues relating to the indiscriminate cutting down of trees in towns and cities, the Deputy Minister said an aspect of the tree planting exercise is to encourage citizens especially the youth to be environmentally conscious.
He also added that the Ministry is working collaboratively with local government and district assemblies to protect the trees.
Responding to the question on planting at illegal mining sites, Mr. Benito explained that the introduction of the Gold Kacha machine will reduce the use of mercury as well as aiding miners to mine responsibly.
He disclosed the small-scale miners association intentions of planting trees on the said date to help recover our forest reserves.
He called on all Ghanaians to support the Ministry to make this year’s Green Ghana Day a resounding success.
