The Government of Ghana has launched the annual Green Ghana Day, a massive tree-planting initiative aimed at restoring the country's forest cover. This year's campaign saw 10 million trees planted across all 16 regions.
Campaign highlights:
- 10 million seedlings planted
- All 16 regions participated
- 5 million Ghanaians involved
- 50 species of trees planted
- 80% survival rate target
Tree species planted:
- Indigenous timber (Wawa, Ofram, Mahogany)
- Fruit trees (Mango, Coconut, Citrus)
- Shade trees
- Medicinal plants
- Multipurpose trees
Leading by example:
- President planted trees at Jubilee House
- Ministers planted in their regions
- MPs planted in constituencies
- Chiefs planted in traditional areas
- Schools planted compounds
Monitoring and evaluation:
- GPS tagging of planted trees
- Community-based maintenance
- Quarterly survival assessments
- Replacement of dead seedlings
- Annual progress reports
The initiative addresses:
- Deforestation (Ghana loses 2% forest cover annually)
- Climate change (trees sequester carbon)
- Biodiversity loss
- Soil erosion
- Desertification (Northern Region)
Since its launch in 2021, Green Ghana Day has resulted in the planting of 30 million trees, with a 70% survival rate. The goal is to plant 100 million trees by 2030.
The Forestry Commission coordinates the campaign with support from traditional authorities, schools, religious organizations, and the private sector.
