The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has at the commemorative tree planting ceremony for the 2024 edition of Green Ghana Day, called upon the nation to take decisive action against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. 

The President highlighted how these issues are further exacerbated by deforestation, desertification, and land and soil degradation, emphasizing the urgent threat posed by climate change.

“Today, our world stands at a critical juncture,” President Akufo-Addo began. “Climate change remains the most urgent, posing a grave threat to our world and the lives and livelihoods of our people. Earlier this year, South Sudan was forced to close its schools due to extreme heatwaves. There are fears that the Horn of Africa may become uninhabitable in the coming years due to these severe weather conditions.” His words underscored the severity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action.

The President also drew attention to the alarming impact of pollution and biodiversity loss. Citing World Health Organization statistics, he noted that air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million deaths annually, with nine out of ten people worldwide breathing air that contains pollutants above recommended levels. He further emphasized that the loss of biodiversity poses a significant threat, leading to the decline and extinction of animals, plants, and ecosystems, which in turn cause disasters, diseases, and death.

However, amidst these challenges, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about the role of forests in addressing these crises. “Science tells us that forests play a crucial role in sustaining life on earth and addressing these triple planetary crises,” he said. “Here in Ghana, activities related to Agriculture, Forest, and Land Use (AFOLU) contribute fifty percent of our national greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, preserving our forests and adopting sustainable agriculture and land use practices have a high potential to combat climate change through carbon sequestration. Forests, home to eighty percent of terrestrial biodiversity, also play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and combating pollution.”

President Akufo-Addo proudly announced that over the past three years, with the unwavering support of Ghanaians, 42 million trees have been planted, most of which are thriving. This year, the goal is to plant at least 10 million more trees, bringing the total to an impressive 52 million trees in just four years. This initiative, he explained, is part of a broader commitment under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems and raise awareness of the importance of successful ecosystem restoration.

“We must work together to change the narrative,” the President urged. “Although we are among the least contributors to the climate crisis, our continent suffers the most from its adverse consequences. We have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by sixty-four million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (64MtCO2e) by 2030 and enhancing our resilience and adaptation to climate change.” As part of measures to achieve this goal, he highlighted the “Resilient Ghana” Country Package launched at COP28 in Dubai last year. This initiative aims to advance nature-based industrialisation and sustainable rural development, build an inclusive green economy with future-fit green jobs and nature-based alternative livelihoods, and scale up climate ambition.

The theme for this 4th edition of Green Ghana Day, “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” was designed to inspire all Ghanaians to participate in the national tree planting exercise. “It captures the essence of our collective aspiration to nurture our environment for the benefit of future generations. It is a clarion call for us to leave a greener, better, and more prosperous world,” President Akufo-Addo declared. He called on individuals from all walks of life—farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, politicians, artisans, and students—to grab a seedling, plant it, and nurture it to maturity.

The President emphasized the importance of not only planting trees but also ensuring their growth and survival. “Every seedling we put in the ground is a step towards a sustainable future. But that goal cannot be achieved if we fail to care for the seedlings. We cannot provide the ‘Green Tomorrow’ we desire if the seedlings do not grow to maturity. This tree planting exercise must not end today; it must continue until the trees can stand on their own and contribute to the sustainable future we aspire to.”

In addition to the tree planting efforts, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives. “It is the little things we do daily that will guarantee the future we want. Through these efforts, we can restore the fundamentals required to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” He also called on the private sector to support this noble venture, ensuring it does not burden the public treasury.

President Akufo-Addo commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, and his team for their dedication to the Green Ghana Project and initiatives like “One-Student-One-Tree,” which aim to instill the importance of environmental stewardship in the youth. He concluded with a call to action, urging Ghanaians to sustain the gains made over the past three years. “This is a duty we owe not only to the current generation but also to generations yet to come. Let us do it with a spirit of nationalism, solidarity, and, most importantly, love for ourselves, our country, and our planet. Let us go out not only to plant trees but also to grow them for a ‘Green Tomorrow.’”

The President’s speech resonated with hope and determination, setting a powerful tone for the national tree planting exercise aimed at creating a resilient and healthy environment for all. As the nation embarks on this ambitious journey, the collective efforts of all Ghanaians will be crucial in achieving the goal of planting 10 million trees and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah