With a resounding call to action from all stakeholders, especially Ghanaians, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, the revered Overlord of the Dagbon traditional area has declared June 7th 2024 as Green Ghana Day.
The grand launch event which was held at the Multipurpose Auditorium of the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Northern Region on Tuesday 16th April, 2024 underscored the urgent need for environmental stewardship and collective responsibility from all.
In the keynote address, delivered by his representative, Naa Bapra Zangbalun Yakubu Mahama, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II emphasized the significance of the Green Ghana Day Project initiated by His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.
He reflected on the commendable progress made since its inception in 2021 and further expressed optimism about the 2024 year edition surpassing previous milestones.
“In the year 2021, 7 million trees were planted. In subsequent years more trees were planted. This year the target is to plant over 10 million tree seedlings”.
Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of afforestation, Yaa Naa stressed its pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in the northern regions where erratic rainfall patterns pose significant challenges to livelihoods.
He lauded the initiative’s potential to enhance economic opportunities, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the threat of bushfires, thereby safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In a passionate plea, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II advocated for a concerted effort to promote the cultivation and protection of shea trees, a vital economic resource for the region’s inhabitants.
He also urged the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Jinapor, to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding shea tree cultivation and safeguarding existing wild trees from annual bushfires.
The Overlord of the Dagbon further reiterated his unwavering commitment to championing environmental conservation efforts within the Dagbon traditional area and beyond.
He called on his paramount and divisional chiefs to actively participate in the Green Ghana Day initiative and ensure its success through diligent oversight and reporting.
Government Plants 42 Million Trees
Meanwhile, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources while touting the remarkable achievements of the initiative disclosed that since its inception three years ago, over 42 million trees have been planted nationwide, surpassing targets and exceeding expectations.
With unwavering determination, Honorable Jinapor announced an ambitious target of planting an additional ten million trees during this year’s Green Ghana Day, under the theme “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow.”
This theme he said underscores the essence of nurturing planted trees to maturity, thereby maximizing its contribution to climate resilience.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of stakeholders and Ghanaians across various sectors, the Member of Parliament for Damango Constituency called for a unified effort to achieve the set objectives.
He appealed to individuals, communities, corporate entities, and government institutions to actively participate in tree planting activities and support the initiative’s expansion.
On the other hand, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, in his welcome address at the event highlighted the collective dedication to environmental sustainability while underscoring the importance of proactive measures against pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
Honorable Shaibu expressed gratitude for the attendees’ commitment, recognizing it as a testament to their willingness to safeguard the planet for present and future generations.
He further called for the need for stakeholders to draw inspiration from past achievements and to ensure that actions are sustainable.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Development Studies, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan in his remarks commended the government for such a promising initiative while urging all to support it for a massive success.
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