The tree planting exercise
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended government’s reforestation programme, ‘Green Ghana Project’, aimed at restoring the country’s forest cover, and creating economic value through the development and growth of cash crops.
He gave the commendation when he joined by dignitaries such as the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio; Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah; and the Mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne, to plant the first tree of the 2023 edition at Royal Golf Course in Kumasi. Before planting his third ceremonial tree in three years, the Asantehene also inspected the two seedlings he planted in 2021 and 2022 to ensure that they were developing well.
Impressed
The Asantehene, who was impressed with the growth of the trees, indicated his excitement towards how far they had grown. He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to go all out and support the project as it benefits will be enjoyed by all.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Lands in charge of Forestry also commended the Asantehene for the consistent show of ‘commitment and selflessness’ to the Green Ghana project.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for honoring our invitation to lead Asanteman to plant trees as part of the activities of Green Ghana Day.
“Your Royal Majesty, when we also called on you to launch the 2023 Edition of the Green Ghana Day a few weeks ago you graciously accepted the invitation to despite your busy schedules and we are very grateful for your selflessness and commitment to ensure the protection and sustainable management of our natural resources,” he stated.
Mr Owusu-Bio appealed to the general public and institutions to make examples of Otumfuo’s dedication by coming out in their numbers to plant the trees.
Commitment
Touching on the target of 10 million trees for the 2023 edition, he indicated that seedlings had been made available at various designated place. He added that the government would continue its aggressive drive towards the restoration of the country’s forest.
“Your Royal Majesty, this year, the President of the Republic has set the national target to 10 million trees. This means, we expect to plant at least 10 million trees on this day and Asanteman has always risen to the challenge and this year will not be an exception.
“The need to plant trees is very clear to us and we don’t have any option than to embark on an aggressive afforestation/reforestation drive to restore our lost vegetative cover and contribute to the global fight against climate change,” he noted.
The Deputy Minister entreated the public to recognize that the tree planting exercise is not a one-day activity but a process which must lead to the full growth of the seedling.
“As we plant the trees today, let us make conscious efforts to nurture and grow them to maturity. In many circumstances, what we plant are neglected and not catered for and this is the reason why the target has been reduced to nurture what had already been planted to ensure a higher survival rate,” he indicated.
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