The Ketu North Municipal Assembly has joined the rest of the country in observing this year’s Tree for Life initiative under the theme, “Forests and Economies,” with a renewed commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The exercise was led by Rev Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), who, together with officials of the Assembly, forestry experts and community members, participated in the planting of tree seedlings across selected locations in the municipality.
Addressing participants before the exercise, Rev Amenaki underscored the importance of tree planting as a practical investment in environmental sustainability and economic development.
He noted that planting trees was not merely a symbolic activity but a critical intervention in protecting the environment, combating climate change and preserving natural resources for future generations.
“Planting a tree is an investment in our ecosystem and a commitment to protecting our land from degradation. It is also one of the most effective ways of mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.
The MCE urged participants, particularly Assembly staff and members of the community, to take personal responsibility for nurturing the seedlings to maturity to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
“We must go beyond planting the trees today. Their survival depends on our collective commitment to care for them and ensure that they grow to provide the environmental and economic benefits for which they are intended,” he added.
The exercise received technical support from officers of the Denu/Sogakope Forestry Commission, who provided guidance on appropriate planting techniques, spacing requirements and soil preparation to enhance the survival rate of the seedlings.
The Assembly planted three species of tree seedlings-Mahogany, Acacia and Cassia- selected for their resilience, environmental value and contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Rev Amenaki said the choice of the tree species formed part of efforts to improve the municipality’s ecological landscape while creating a lasting green legacy for future generations.
He described the successful exercise as a demonstration of what could be achieved through collaboration among government institutions, technical agencies and local communities.
The Ketu North Municipal Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and pledged to continue monitoring and nurturing the trees to ensure their growth and contribution to the municipality’s sustainable development agenda.
