In alignment with the government’s Green Ghana project, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has initiated a privately-led tree-planting drive in his constituency.

This ambitious project, named the Green Damongo Project, aims to plant over 32,000 trees to beautify the town and combat climate change. The launch, held on Friday, June 14, 2024, saw Hon. Jinapor express his unwavering commitment to greening Ghana and building a resilient climate.

Hon. Jinapor detailed the scope of the Green Damongo Project, which will be executed in three phases. The first phase involves planting approximately 2,670 trees along major roads in the town and at key locations such as the old and new markets and the stretch from Military Junction to the hospital. The second phase will cover 66 km on each side of the road between Jojo Pe and Damongo, while the third phase will extend 83 km from Damongo to Sieyiri.

“I stand before you today, in all humility and modesty, to say that the Green Ghana Day initiative has been wholeheartedly embraced by the entire citizenry and residents of Ghana. “
“As Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, under whose stewardship this project was birthed, I have decided to bring the project home.”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor

The project will feature tree species such as the Savannah Mahogany and Cassia. Additional areas to be covered include the Military Junction to Hospital Road, Agric College Junction to Kasha Restaurant, Damongo Bypass to Agric College, and Sawla Highway to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).

Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd of traditional leaders and residents, Hon. Jinapor called on his constituents to become custodians of the environment.

He emphasized the project’s goals of raising awareness about the importance of restoring Damongo’s degraded landscape and instilling the values of tree planting and nurturing in the youth.

“Today, we come together not just as natives and residents of Damongo, but as custodians of our environment, united by a shared responsibility to nurture and protect the natural environment that sustains us,” Hon. Jinapor declared.

The vibrant ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including the Municipal Chief Executive for Damongo, Hon. Musah Karim Kusobari, and the Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Nyadia Sulemana Nelson. The event culminated in the planting of commemorative trees, marking the initiative’s inauguration.

Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Mr. Karim Musa, praised Hon. Jinapor’s initiative, describing it as a significant step toward reducing deforestation and land degradation in the area. He assured that the municipality would ensure the project’s success by forming committees dedicated to monitoring and nurturing the trees.

The Green Ghana Day initiative, launched in 2021 by the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources under Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has become a pivotal movement for protecting and enhancing Ghana’s forest and green cover. The Green Damongo Project is a testament to this ongoing effort, reflecting a local commitment to a national cause.