Governance and policy think tank, Danquah Institute (DI), has celebrated this year’s "Green Ghana Day" with a tree planting exercise at the Demonstration School for the Deaf in Akuapem Mampong, in the Eastern Region.

The diverse range of seedlings planted included shade, ornamental, fruit, and multipurpose trees suitable for various climate conditions at the school’s premises.

At a short ceremony held at the forecourt of the school's administration block on Friday, 7 June 2024, staff from Danquah Institute, led by its Executive Director, Dr Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko, expressed excitement about being present for the Green Ghana event. She revealed that her team considered a long list of schools before ultimately choosing the Demonstration School for the Deaf.

“This is where God has chosen for us to embark on this exercise this year, and we’re very happy to be here," she remarked.

Appreciation

She expressed gratitude to the teachers and staff for their participation and contribution to the success of the tree planting initiative.

"Thank you so much to the head of administration and academics, the teaching staff, and the entire student body for working together with us. Indeed, we're grateful. We are proud to celebrate the Green Ghana Day 2024 edition with you,” she said.

Dr Tsiboe-Darko emphasised the symbiotic relationship between the environment and human existence. To this end, she urged everyone to prioritize tree planting and other initiatives aimed at restoring the country’s degraded landscape.

She noted that the Green Ghana initiative is crucial as it captures the essence of Ghana's collective aspiration to nurture the environment for the benefit of future generations.

Care for trees

Dr Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko urged the school authorities to nurture the trees to maturity to achieve the goal of planting 10 million seedlings this year as part of the "Green Ghana Day" national target.

According to her, the Institute has shown a strong commitment to actively engaging its staff in the tree-planting activities of the Green Ghana initiative since its inception.

She entreated the students and staff to look after the trees with love and commitment. “Please remember the famous adage: when the last tree dies, the last man dies. We wish everyone in our dear nation an exciting and fulfilling Green Ghana Day. Let’s go planting. Let’s save our forest. Let’s stop the harmful effects of climate change! Let’s Green Ghana together,” she stated.



Commendation

The Executive Director of the Danquah Institute lauded the government’s Green Ghana initiative, describing it as instrumental in restoring Ghana’s depleted forest cover and making a valuable contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts.

She praised President Akufo-Addo, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission for the success of the Green Ghana Project, highlighting that it not only contributes to mitigating climate change but also creates jobs and promotes sustainable economic growth.

The "Green Ghana" Project, launched in 2021 by President Akufo-Addo, aims to restore Ghana’s depleted forest cover and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

To date, the project has successfully planted over 42 million tree seedlings, with an impressive survival rate according to recent assessments. This year’s edition is under the theme “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow.”