By Patrick Biddah
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, has highlighted the critical role of tree planting in Ghana’s environmental recovery, describing it as the “seed of life” during a commemorative ceremony under the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at the June 20 event, Yusif reaffirmed the government’s dedication to restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable land use through mass reforestation.
The Tree for Life Initiative, which was launched in March 2025, aims to plant 30 million tree seedlings across the country by the end of the year.
The initiative is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to combat land degradation, preserve biodiversity, and create green spaces in both urban and rural communities.
“This initiative is essential for attracting hope, and to a large extent, making sure it becomes the seed of life,” Yusif said.
As the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, he noted that planting trees was more than a symbolic act — it was a concrete step toward safeguarding the future.
He emphasized the initiative’s focus on community involvement, particularly through Green Month in June, which mobilizes schools, civil society groups, private organizations, and international partners to participate in nationwide reforestation efforts.
The deputy minister, also underscored the connection between reforestation and broader environmental goals, noting that restoring green cover contributes directly to sustainable development and resilience against climate change.
Joining him at the event, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, praised the initiative as a beacon of environmental stewardship. Representatives from the diplomatic community, including Lebanese Ambassador H.E. Maher Kheir, expressed support for Ghana’s green development goals and pledged continued collaboration.
As the country moves forward with the Tree for Life campaign, government officials hope to see stronger international partnerships and investments to help Ghana meet its ambitious environmental targets.
