The Forestry Commission has called on students, teachers, chiefs and community members to become ambassadors of environmental conservation by supporting tree-planting efforts and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Mr Joseph Boateng, the Deputy District Manager of the Forestry Commission in Nkwanta South, made the call during the 2026 edition of the “Tree for Life” Reforestation Initiative at the Nkwanta M/A Boys Model School.
He said tree planting was only the first step in the reforestation process, stressing that the long-term success of the initiative depended on proper aftercare, including regular watering, protection of seedlings, and the prevention of bushfires.
Mr Boateng disclosed that the Forestry Commission in Nkwanta South had set a target of planting 150,000 trees this year in support of the Government’s environmental conservation and natural resource restoration agenda.
He said the exercise would involve the planting of coconut, cashew, mahogany, and other suitable tree species to promote environmental sustainability and support local livelihoods.
The Deputy District Manager underscored the importance of involving young people in environmental protection efforts, noting that environmental education was essential in nurturing a generation that appreciated the value of natural resources and contributed to national development.
He urged schools and communities to take ownership of the trees planted by monitoring their growth, protecting them from destruction, and guarding against bushfires, which continue to pose a major threat to reforestation programmes.
Reflecting on last year’s exercise, Mr Boateng said approximately 70 per cent of the trees planted had survived, describing the outcome as encouraging despite challenges posed by bushfires and other environmental factors.
He appealed to chiefs, youth groups, and residents to support efforts aimed at safeguarding plantations and ensuring the success of the initiative.
Mr Joseph Awal Antwi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, expressed concern over illegal chainsaw operations and charcoal production activities, which he said were contributing to the degradation of forest reserves in the municipality.
He called on the Forestry Commission to intensify monitoring and enforcement measures and urged that persons engaged in such activities be required to produce the necessary permits or face sanctions.
Mr Antwi stressed that protecting forest resources was a shared responsibility and essential for preserving the environment for future generations.
The event ended with a tree-planting exercise and a renewed commitment by stakeholders to support reforestation efforts, with participants emphasizing that sustained community involvement and effective protection measures were critical to achieving the objectives of the initiative.
