The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning against planting trees across low voltage lines as a precaution to prevent future electricity supply disruptions as Ghanaians celebrate Green Ghana Day with tree-planting activities.

While leading ECG employees to educate and plant trees at the All Saint Anglican School in Takoradi, the Western Regional Manager of the ECG, Engineer Emmanuel Justice Ofori, stated that the ECG aims to plant 5,000 trees in the area.

However, he noted that people should exercise caution when planting trees near low-voltage power lines, since when mature trees come into contact with the lines, the power supply may be disrupted.

“We are advising those planting trees that we should go about planting the trees but we should be careful not to plant them directly under the lines especially the LV lines (Low Voltage lines).”
ECG

In the meantime, the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have asked all Ghanaians and citizens to actively take part in the country’s tree-planting initiative.

The event is a crucial part of an ambitious reforestation and afforestation plan, intended to replenish the nation’s shrinking forest cover.

Five million trees were to be planted as part of the first edition’s goal. However, over seven million trees were planted as a consequence of the volunteers’ excitement and dedication, which exceeded expectations.

Building on this performance, the Green Ghana Day the year before, saw an even bigger success, with almost 26 million trees planted, exceeding the targeted target of 20 million.

10 Million Seedlings To Be Planted Today

While tending to the more than 30 million trees planted in 2021 and 2022, the country hopes to plant an additional 10 million seedlings this year.

Today, Friday, June 9, 2023, marks the third edition of Green Ghana Day. The event forms a vital component of an ambitious afforestation and reforestation agenda aimed at restoring the country’s depleted forest cover.

Free seedlings are offered in the Forestry Commission offices to encourage wider participation, ensuring accessibility for everyone keen to support the reforestation efforts.

Ghanaians have been urged to actively support this admirable cause by the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on May 18, 2023, launched Green Ghana Day in the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

He made a plea to everyone living in Ghana, including traditional chiefs, religious groups, diplomats, and everyone else, to help the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Forestry Commission make this year’s Green Ghana Day a success.

In the face of climate change, President Akufo-Addo has underlined his administration’s unflinching commitment to protecting the environment. He emphasized the importance of ongoing programs like the Green Ghana Project during the celebration of the 2023 Green Ghana Day. However, he was aware of the extraordinary global environmental concerns that are threatening the planet’s survival and future and have an impact on human health, livelihoods, security, and the future.