Accra, June 30, GNA - Mr Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer of MTN, on Thursday said MTN had planted 15,770 trees across the country to mark its Nine Million Subscriber Base achievement.

He said growing of the trees were part of MTN's contribution to help restore the forest belt which had been rapidly depleted and adversely affecting the environment.

Mr Ikpoki said this during the closing ceremony of the Company's 21 days Y'ELLO Care Challenge held in Accra on Thursday. The theme for the event is; 93Our Environment, Our Future," in line= with the United Nations declaration of 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

He said MTN had organised educational campaigns on the need to protect the environment for school children and charcoal burners.

Mr Ikpoki added that MTN also used the opportunity to clean some beaches and painted the Ridge Hospital as part efforts to support health centres to improve on their healthcare delivery.

Mr Ikpoki assured the government, traditional leaders and the public of the company's commitment to provide world class products and services for its cherished customers.

He thanked all stakeholders for their support and encouraged MTN customers who were yet to register their SIM cards to take advantage of the 90 days extension to do so in order to keep their numbers.

He also acknowledged the Ministry of Defence, Lands Commission, Zoom Landscape and Beautification, Zoil Ghana Limited, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Wildlife Society, the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin and the public for their support.

Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, First Lady, acknowledged MTN for the good work and encourage the Company to participate in more activities that would make life more meaningful for the communities.

She said there was the need for other stakeholders in the country to come together to create awareness of how to protect the environment.