Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has advised Ghanaians to engage in aggressive afforestation and reforestation in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 15.
Jinapor gave the advice at the official launch of the fourth edition of the “One student, one tree initiative,” a derivative of the Green Ghana Project, on Monday (June 3).
“Tree planting is a very important intervention and it’s important that we all join hands to plant trees, to restore our degraded landscape and forest reserves, and engage in aggressive afforestation and reforestation. They say that when the last tree dies, the last man will die, and the importance of trees in terms of their contribution to fighting climate change, their contribution in getting us an environment, and into a country that can sustain lives and livelihoods, cannot be overemphasized.
“And that is why I think it’s absolutely important that we launch this 2024 edition of one student, one tree initiative, and the government has decided that across all second cycle institutions in our country on Friday (June, 7), every student is expected to plant a tree and not just planting a tree, planting it and nurturing it to maturity,” he addressed.
The “One student, one tree” initiative, themed “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” was hosted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, ahead of the Green Ghana Day on Friday (June 7), as part of the celebration of his 25-year milestone of sustainable leadership and service to humanity.
He reiterated the government and the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, protecting rivers, landscapes, and resources for all generations.
“We want to believe that out of this we will incorporate in you the habit of protecting our environment, the habit of protecting our river, our rivers across the country, and the habit generally of protecting our landscape,” he stated.
The Okyenhene launched the flagship program, the “One Student, One Tree” initiative, and encouraged students to actively participate in the project, which aims to support global efforts in building a sustainable and resilient climate, protecting humanity from the adverse effects of climate change.
“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. They dedicated 100 days a year to forest conservation”, he said.
“Do not be reckless, irresponsible, or greedy, focusing only on immediate gains at the expense of your future survival. 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 the generations to come.”
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong in his speech commended the dynamic leadership of the Lands Minister for such an initiative and pledged his supporting in ensuring the sustainability of the one student, one tree initiative.
“I am gladdened by the great leadership of the honourable minister for lands and natural resources, putting together this great initiative of one child, one tree, which is coinciding with the celebration of Osagyefo’s 25 years, and this great school.
This initiative and today’s launch is commemorating the dynamic leadership of the minister and his ministry.
“As we put them together to gather students to honor our environment and our great land in what we see as sustainability and building our future and our health for life. For us, coming from the regional coordinating council and representing his excellency, the president of the republic, I pledge my total support to ensure that whatever we’re initiating today will be sustained, and the success of it will become history of austerity to know,” he said.
The launch of the “One Student, One Tree” initiative was marked by a symbolic gesture, as His Royal Majesty planted a commemorative tree at the Abuakwa State College.
This act aims to send a message to the entire nation and to students in second-cycle institutions across the country, signifying the importance of participating in the mass tree-planting event on Friday (June, 7).
Reporting by Abigail Ibrahim in Accra
