Samuel Abu Jinapor, Lands Minister
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the ministry, has expressed his profound gratitude to the multitudes of people who participated in the just national tree planning exercise.
The Ghana Green Programme (GGP) initiative forms part of the efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission to encourage Ghanaians to plant more trees to preserve and protect the country’s forest cover and the environment.
At least five million trees were expected to be planted last week Friday.
According to a statement signed by the Minister, provisional reports from the Forestry Commission indicates that this target was exceeded.
“We are particularly grateful to the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his foresight and support throughout the planning and execution of this ambitious national undertaking. We are thankful to the Vice-President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, for his support and participation in the exercise,” the statement read.
He also commended some prominent personalities for devoting their time to take part in the exercise. They included the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin; the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah; the Chairman and Members of the Council of State; the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin; the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II; and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
“Finally, I wish to thank the Forestry Commission, led by its hardworking Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Allotey, as well as the National Planning Committee, Chaired by Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, Deputy Minister Designate and the staff of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, without whom we could not have achieved this feat which has received worldwide attention,” he added.
National duty
The Minister encouraged everyone who planted a seedling to nurture it, adding that the “Green Ghana Day, June 11, is just the beginning of a long-term Green Ghana Project to restore the lost forest cover of our country.”
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring the survival of the trees planted, as it continues to enhance ongoing afforestation programmes.
“We also wish to extend our special appreciation to the institutions and individuals who contributed in cash and in kind to make the Green Ghana Day a great success,” he added.
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