Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, George Mireku Duker, has called on all mining stakeholders to uphold good mining practices to help preserve and restore Ghana’s vegetative cover.

Speaking at a durbar on Green Ghana Day, Friday, 9th June, 2023, in the Western Region, Mr Duker indicated that responsible mining practices contributes immensely towards government’s aggressive afforestation agenda; Green Ghana Day.

The third edition of the Green Ghana project themed: ‘Our forest, our health’, the Deputy Minister noted, re-echoes the numerous significance derived from trees for human existence and survival, hence, the collective responsibility to plant, monitor and protect into maturity.

“I call on all legal concessionaires to embrace all the good mining practices and initiate progressive reclamation activities at all times.”
George Mireku Duker

Mr Duker explained that deforestation and forest degradation continues to be a threat to sustainable forest management and forest resources that are being depleted at an alarming rate therefore the need to plant trees. He highlighted that the Western Region is expected to plant 150,000 trees as part of the 10 million and uged on all in Tarkwa to help plant in excess the 10,000 target.

Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, addressing the gathering, applauded government for the brilliant initiative to plant trees to improve the environment.

“This should not just end with planting of trees, go ahead and take care of the trees planted”.
Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II plants third commemorative tree

Meanwhile, Asantehene, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has demonstrated his unwavering belief in government’s reforestation program by performing the official tree planting exercise for the third consecutive time.

Joined by dignitaries such as the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio; Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah; mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne, among a host of others, the highly revered King, planted the first tree of the 2023 edition at the Royal Golf Course in Kumasi.

Prior to planting his third ceremonial tree in three years, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II inspected the two he planted in 2021 and 2022 to ensure that they are developing well. Impressed with the growth of the trees, he expressed his excitement and commended the government for the project which is aimed at restoring Ghana’s forest cover, helping in the beautification of the country and creating economic value through the growth of cash crops.

In a short address after planting his tree, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged Ghanaians to go all out and support the project as it benefits will be enjoyed by all.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Lands in charge of Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, commended His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the consistent show of ‘commitment and selflessness’ to the Green Ghana project.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for honoring our invitation to lead Asanteman to plant trees as part of the activities of Green Ghana Day. Your Royal Majesty, when we also called on you to launch the 2023 Edition of the Green Ghana Day a few weeks ago you graciously accepted the invitation too despite your busy schedules and we are very grateful for your selflessness and commitment to ensure the protection and sustainable management of our natural resources.”
Benito Owusu-Bio

Furthermore, Mr Owusu-Bio appealed to the general public and institutions to make examples of Otumfuo’s dedication by coming out in their numbers to plant the trees. Stressing on the target of 10 million trees for the 2023 edition, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio indicated that seedlings having been placed at various designated places and that the government will continue its aggressive drive towards the restoration of the country’s forest.

“Your Royal Majesty, this year, the President of the Republic has set the national target to 10 million trees. This means, we expect to plant at least 10 million trees on this day and Asanteman has always risen to the challenge and this year will not be an exception. The need to plant trees is very clear to us and we don’t have any option than to embark on an aggressive afforestation/reforestation drive to restore our lost vegetative cover and contribute to the global fight against climate change.”
Benito Owusu-Bio

Hon. Owusu-Bio also entreated the public to recognize that the tree planting exercise is not a one-day activity but a process which must lead to the full growth of the seedling.

“As we plant the trees today, let us make conscious efforts to nurture and grow them to maturity. In many circumstances, what we plant are neglected and not catered for and this is the reason why the target has been reduced to nurture what has already been planted to ensure a higher survival rate.”
Benito Owusu-Bio