The Minister For Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has assured that the Lands Ministry is fully committed to executing the President’s “marching orders” which is, to undertake aggressive afforestation and reforestation.
Speaking at the launch of the 2022 Green Ghana Project, he intimated that these initiatives are being taken for the survival of the planet and the preservation of the country’s forest reserves.
Honorable Jinapor indicated that his ministry will ensure steps are taken to “green” the nation while taking all the necessary measures to protect its existing forest cover. It is for this reason, according to the Lands Minister, it has a ban placed on the harvesting, salvaging, processing, exporting and importing of rosewood.
Touching on last year’s tree planting exercise, the minister posited that the massive tree planting, though significant, is nowhere near the over 8 million hectares of forest cover the country has lost since 1900. He averred that over the years, Ghana’s efforts at restoring its lost forest cover has not been aggressive enough.
2021 Green Ghana Day successful
Samuel Jinapor disclosed that the Green Ghana Day 2021 as a result of the President’s tremendous support, was a success.
“Thankfully, Mr. President, most of the seedlings are doing very well and we will ensure that all of them reach maturity. I am happy to report that from 2017 to the end of the third quarter of 2021, a total of 477,485.5 hectares of trees have been cultivated under the Ghana Forest Plantation strategy through various programmes undertaken by government, private sector and CSOs.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minister stated that the importance of trees cannot be over emphasized and urged that all citizens contribute to the tree planting initiative.
According to Samuel Jinapor, this year’s Green Ghana Day will witness the planting of trees on degraded forest lands both on and off reserves, water sheds, boundaries, office compounds and sites within communities.
The Lands Minister averred that the Ministry will collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Parks and Gardens and all relevant government ministries, department and agencies to make this endeavor successful.
“We intend also to pilot the concept of carbon trading with Corporate Ghana with the 2022 edition of Green Ghana. All of us from all walks of life must come together and help build a green Ghana.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
Resources can be pulled to build a green Ghana
Honorable Jinapor asserted that the support the people of Appiatse are receiving since the tragic incident is sufficient proof if anywhere needed, that resources can be pulled together to build a green Ghana.
“Planting million trees is quite ambitious and will require a lot of resources. In the coming days, we will be coming to you for your support and we hope that you will contribute to this noble cause.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
Honorable Jinapor intimated that stakeholders have a moral obligation to protect the forest and particularly those whose operations impact the environment the most. The Minister called for the collective action and the participation of all and sundry in making the Green Ghana project a success.
Launching the Green Ghana 2022 edition, President Akufo-Addo lamented that the exploitation of forest reserves have been very rampant leading to the substantial decline in the world’s forest reserves.
According to President Akufo-Addo, Africa continues to consistently experience decreasing net loss in forest cover. Therefore, he urged that concerted efforts must be ensured to protect the forests for the benefit of current and future generations.
Apart from the economic benefits, the President intimated that the forests are necessary for survival especially as the recent climate crisis is being combatted.
In view of this, he urged that the people must be passionate about fighting climate change through initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project.
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