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The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, has called on the people of Bono East and Ghana at large to actively participate in the national afforestation agenda. The Minister made this assertion during the launching of the Bono East Regional edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in Atebubu.
President John Dramani Mahama launched the “One Tree Per Child” initiative on June 5, 2025, at Kwabenya Senior High School in Accra. The nationwide tree-planting campaign seeks to engage every school-aged child in planting and caring for at least one tree.
The program aims to plant tens of millions of trees by 2030 to help cool cities, restore ecosystems, and foster a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth. The President also launched the broader “Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative,” which targets the planting of 30 million trees between June 5 and June 30.
Speaking at the event, which coincided with this year’s World Environment Day celebrations, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi disclosed the critical role trees play in sustaining the environment and promoting national development. He commended H.E. John Dramani Mahama for introducing bold environmental initiatives, including the “One Tree Per Child” campaign, aimed at encouraging every school-aged child in Ghana to plant and nurture at least one tree.
According to him, the initiative, when fully embraced, will go a long way in protecting the environment and could also serve as a source of foreign exchange for the country.
“We all understand the vital role trees play in our ecosystem. President John Dramani Mahama has outlined plans to protect our environment through afforestation. Beyond providing us with oxygen and protecting the environment, trees also offer economic benefits such as timber, which we export for foreign exchange. Trees play a major role in the water cycle as well, and it is our collective responsibility to protect our environment by safeguarding our trees.” He said.
Hon. Antwi expressed concern over environmentally harmful practices such as bushfires and indiscriminate tree felling, which continue to threaten Ghana’s natural landscape and called on citizens to desists from such practices. He further encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to take advantage of the free seedlings being distributed by the Forestry Commission. Seedlings of timber, cashew, and mango trees are currently available across the region to support the campaign.
“Unfortunately, certain human activities continue to harm our environment such as bushfires, indiscriminate tree felling, and other destructive behaviors. I urge everyone to fully participate in the ‘One Tree Per Child’ initiative. It is not enough to simply plant trees; we must also ensure they receive the proper care and conditions needed to thrive.”
“The government is providing free seedlings—including timber, cashew, and mango, so I encourage everyone to visit the nearest Forestry Commission office and register for the ‘One Tree Per Child’ initiative. Together, we can protect and preserve our environment for future generations.” He stated.
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
