It was a clear day for the launch of the program at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua as the rains spared us for the occasion. The event witnessed active participation from various Traditional Authorities, led by the Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Oti Boateng III, alongside other sub-chiefs. Additionally, the Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for the New Juaben North Constituency, Hon. Adjei Boateng, MCEs for New Juaben North and South, Heads of Departments and staff, selected students from Kwaku Boateng school, the Rotary Club, assembly members from the New Juaben North and South Municipalities, as well as members of the media were all in attendance.
In a truly captivating event, the theme “Our Forest, Our Health” radiates with the profound significance of forests in bestowing direct and indirect health benefits upon all people. The presence of a thriving forest in the very places we live and work stands as an indispensable pillar of our collective well-being. Reverberating with wisdom, the age-old adage, “When the last tree dies, the last man dies,” not only underscores the vital importance of trees for our survival, but also serves as a resounding clarion call to take action and protect our forests for the sake of human health.
Regrettably, between 2010 and 2015, our beloved country witnessed the loss of a staggering 160,210 hectares of forest cover, while only cultivating 157,300 hectares of new forests between 1967 and 2016. Astonishingly, within just five years, we lost more forest cover than what was planted over a span of 49 years. Such a stark reality compels us to recognize the urgency of adopting effective measures to restore the forest treasures we have lost.
The remarkable qualities of forests, which contribute to our well-being, emerge from the myriad of interwoven benefits they provide in both developing and developed parts of the world. These biodiversity-rich ecosystems offer a bounty of edible delights, including nourishing fruits, vibrant leaves, and tantalizing mushrooms, which collectively contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. Moreover, within these lush domains, we find a vast array of medicinal plants, brimming with their invaluable healing properties, catering for our physical and spiritual needs.
It is therefore of utmost importance that our esteemed President embraces proactive measures to restore the lost forest cover, ensuring a sustainable future where the harmonious coexistence of forests and human health thrives in perfect harmony.
In a harmonious partnership between the Regional Coordinating Council and the Forestry Commission, the lead agency for the Green Ghana Project, a concerted effort is underway to ensure that vital information reaches all targeted stakeholders across the region, inspiring them to participate in the noble act of tree planting. The Director of operations of the Forestry Division, Dr. Joseph Boakye, made it known that, the maiden edition of the tree planning exercise in 2021, about seven million (7,000,000) tree species were planted across the country. In the year 2022, twenty-two million (22,000,000) trees were planted making a total of twenty-nine million (29,000,000) trees. The overall survival rate of the trees was about seventy-five (75) percent. This year’s edition, inaugurated on the 17th of May 2023 at KNUST under the auspices of Otumfour the Asantehene, the Otumfour called upon citizens of our beloved country to unite in planting 10 million trees.
Within the enchanting landscapes of the Eastern Region, an ambitious target of planting at least 600,000 tree seedlings have been set. To achieve this regional goal, numerous captivating events have taken place in locations such as Begro, Akim Oda, Donkorkrom, Somanya, Kade, and many others. These gatherings, with their shared sense of purpose, have focused on reclaiming and revitalizing degraded forest areas, enriching river banks and courses, adorning open spaces, embellishing school compounds, and any suitable place that can generously accommodate the growth of trees. The varieties of trees planted encompass timber species, luscious fruit trees, captivating ornamentals, and majestic shade trees, creating a harmonious tapestry of natural beauty.
The Eastern Region, with its unwavering dedication, has consistently surpassed its planting targets in the previous editions of the Green Ghana Project. Fueled by this past success, we hold an optimistic outlook, believing wholeheartedly that we will once again exceed the set target, bestowing the gift of abundant greenery upon our cherished lands.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for New Juaben South, Hon. Gyasi Appau, highlighted that the launch of this project signifies a long-term commitment. The initiative to plant more trees and promote a greener environment holds significant importance, especially when considering the adverse impact of human activities such as illegal mining in our forest reserves, degradation, and deforestation. These activities have led to the rapid depletion of our forests, making this endeavor even more imperative.
During a compelling address, Hon. Adjei Boateng, the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, echoed the sentiments expressed by the Director of Operations of the Forestry Division regarding the impressive 75 percent survival rate of the previously planted trees. He earnestly urged the Chief Executives of the Assemblies to prioritize the vital task of monitoring and assessing the health of these trees. In addition, he emphasized the importance of incorporating this aspect into the performance reporting format for the Regional Minister, ensuring accountability and continued success.
Drawing inspiration from a personal anecdote, Hon. Adjei Boateng shared a remarkable testament about trees planted along the Mamfe to Accra road more than 15 years ago. These trees have flourished, bearing witness to the remarkable outcomes that stem from devoted care and attention. With great anticipation, he expressed his expectation that similar attention and dedication would be directed towards the ongoing tree planting exercise. In a heartfelt plea, he urged all stakeholders to actively participate by acquiring seedlings, planting them, and nurturing them within the embrace of their own homes. This collective effort will serve to bestow the nation with the precious gift of abundant green cover, contributing to the environmental well-being we all cherish.
The Eastern Regional Minister expressed his utmost admiration for the exceptional enthusiasm and remarkable level of participation demonstrated by various stakeholders, including traditional authorities, religious bodies, educational institutions, ministries, departments, agencies, community members, and more, who graced the momentous occasion. Their collective presence serves as a resounding testament to our unwavering dedication towards the resounding success of this crucial national endeavor. He fervently prayed for the preservation of this remarkable spirit as we wholeheartedly pursue our national development agenda.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the profound impact of forests on our health and well-being. He highlighted how the health-enhancing qualities of forests stem from their myriad of interconnected benefits, influencing both the developing and developed parts of the world. Within these diverse and biodiverse-rich ecosystems, we discover a cornucopia of edible treasures that contribute to a wholesome diet, including succulent fruits, vibrant leaves, delectable mushrooms, and an abundance of medicinal plants. Moreover, he emphasized the profound influence of trees on our emotions and mood, providing psychological benefits that defy quantification.
With this event as a catalyst, the Eastern Regional Minister emphasized the immense value of preserving and nurturing our natural environment, recognizing its vital role in enhancing our overall well-being.
The event came to a close with the planting of trees near the SDA park. It was well participated with all the dignitaries planting trees.