The Upper West Region is set to plant one million tree seedlings as part of its goals for the 2025 Tree for Life (T4L) Reforestation initiative.
According to the Forestry Commission, approximately nine hundred thousand tree seedlings will be planted in the Tumu and Lawra Forest reserves. Additionally, seventy thousand seedlings are designated for amenity planting by individuals and organizations.
During a historic commemorative tree planting event, held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, Hajia Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, delivered a message on behalf of the Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing.
She noted that the region continues to face challenges such as erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and declining soil fertility.
The minister emphasized that the T4L initiative is a crucial policy intervention for the region, particularly in light of the impacts of illegal mining, deforestation, desertification, and climate change.
He expressed his unwavering support for the initiative and called upon all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, and youth groups to join this important cause.
Kwame Oteng Awuah, Regional Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, stated that this effort aligns with national and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 15 (Life on Land), and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
“When we care for our environment, we build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous society,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of viewing tree planting as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
DCOP Darko Offei Lomotey, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, who led the initiative to plant 100 seedlings at the yet-to-be-commissioned Regional Police Command, expressed hope that the project would enhance awareness of the importance of trees and environmental conservation while promoting biodiversity through ecosystem restoration.
Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo Yelimaana, speaking on behalf of the Wala Traditional Council and the Regional House of Chiefs, assured the government of their support and urged residents to move away from activities that harm the environment. He encouraged them to care for the seedlings being planted today to achieve positive results.
You recalled that President John Dramani Mahama launched the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative on Friday, March 21, 2025. This initiative serves as the government’s flagship afforestation and agroforestry program, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of trees in protecting the environment, combating climate change, restoring lands and rivers degraded by illegal mining activities, and fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship among Ghanaian youth.
