At a prominent tree-planting ceremony in Accra with Diplomatic Corps members, Hon. YUSIF Sulemana, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, presented a daring five-pronged plan that is now being implemented to combat the threat.
Enforcement, reclamation, community involvement, technology, and institutional reforms are the main focuses of the government’s strategy to safeguard water bodies and forest reserves that are in danger due to illicit mining operations.
“We are taking bold, comprehensive action to reclaim our environment and restore what has been lost. Illegal mining has caused immense harm to our natural heritage, but through sustained effort and partnership, we can reverse the damage,” Hon. Sulemana stated.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources started the “Tree for Life” campaign, a nationwide reforestation effort aimed at planting millions of trees and instilling a generational culture of environmental responsibility, as part of the government’s long-term vision.
The establishment of “Tree for Life” clubs in Ghanaian schools is a crucial part of the program. By planting trees and encouraging a greater understanding of sustainability, these clubs hope to inform and enable students to take an active role in protecting the environment.
“These clubs are about more than tree planting. They are about nurturing a mindset of environmental stewardship among future leaders,” he added.
Many Diplomatic Corps members participated in the event, joining the symbolic tree planting as a show of solidarity. Their participation signifies increasing global backing for Ghana’s endeavours to address climate change and restore its natural systems, the Deputy Minister said.
“Each tree planted by our foreign partners is a symbol of hope, partnership, and shared responsibility for the planet. We must act together for a greener, more resilient future.”
The Lebanese Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana, H.E. Maher Kheir, emphasised the value of international cooperation while applauding the government’s environmental initiatives.
In addressing a common global issue, he said the tree-planting campaign was a potent illustration of international solidarity.
“We are here in solidarity with Ghana because environmental degradation does not respect borders—it affects all of us, It is crucial that we become each other’s keepers in protecting the planet.” Ambassador Kheir mentioned.
“This gesture may be small, but the message is powerful. Together, we can reclaim our environment. Our collective future depends on the actions we take today,” he added.
While praising the progress, Hon. Yusif Sulemana fervently urged the international community, development organisations, and corporate Ghana to provide financial and technical assistance in order to strengthen the fight against illicit mining and increase reforestation initiatives.
“Every tree we plant is a tree of hope. A tree of life. Let us plant not just for today, but for generations to come.”
The “Tree for Life” initiative serves as a call to action for everyone. The initiative emphasises the collective duty of citizens, governments, and international partners in creating a more sustainable and greener future as Ghana fights environmental degradation.
