STATEMENT BY HON. EBENEZER ALUMIRE NDEBILLA, MP FOR ZEBILLA, ON THE WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT – DELIVERED ON THE FLOOR OF PARLIAMENT
Rt. Hon. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to make this statement to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought observed annually on June 17, a day that calls global attention to the urgent need to protect our land and safeguard our environment against degradation and water scarcity.
This year’s commemoration is on the theme ‘Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities’.
This year’s theme emphasizes the multiple benefits of land restoration, including improved livelihoods, increased food security and a healthy planet.
This is of particular relevance to Ghana, and more specifically, Northern Ghana, where desertification, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are not just environmental challenges, but daily realities threatening the livelihoods, food security, and very survival of our people.
Mr. Speaker, the northern savannah ecological zone, which includes my beloved constituency, Zebilla, and many others across the Upper East, Upper West, North East, Northern, and Savannah Regions, are among the most vulnerable areas in the country.
Mr Speaker, communities in these regions are experiencing rising temperatures, declining soil fertility, shrinking water bodies, and devastating bushfires, all worsened by climate change and unsustainable land use practices.
The consequences are real: low crop yields, food insecurity, increased migration, and worsening poverty.
It is in this context, Mr. Speaker that I wish to highlight the importance of the
“Trees for Life” Initiative launched under the visionary leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
This bold afforestation programme was not just a symbolic gesture, but a strategic national response to combat the twin threats of desertification and drought, especially in our vulnerable northern regions.
Mr. Speaker, under this initiative, millions of tree seedlings, both economic and indigenous species were distributed and planted across the country, with special focus on degraded areas in Ghana, Communities, schools, faith-based groups, and local assemblies were mobilised to reclaim lost forest cover, promote climate resilience, and restore soil productivity.
It was a grassroots movement with national significance.
What made the “Trees for Life” programme particularly effective, Mr. Speaker, was its integration with local livelihoods.
Communities were encouraged to plant economic trees such as shea, dawadawa, and mango, and cashew— thereby linking environmental restoration with income generation.
The initiative also employed thousands of youth under the Youth Employment Agency and Forestry Commission, offering both skills and jobs in forest regeneration.
Mr. Speaker, we must acknowledge that although the initiative will undoubtedly make significant strides, deforestation and land degradation continue to threaten Northern Ghana.
The annual loss of tree cover due to illegal logging, charcoal production, bushfires, and poor farming practices remained a threat and can reverse gains that the Tree for Life will bring.
In addition, changing rainfall patterns have made traditional farming seasons increasingly unpredictable.
Therefore, I call on this House and the government to:
a. Reinvigorate and upscale the “Trees for Life” initiative, making it a permanent pillar of Ghana’s climate adaptation strategy.
b. Ensure sustainable funding for tree planting, watering, and protection, especially in the north where water access is a challenge.
c. Expand public education on the dangers of desertification and the importance of indigenous tree species.
d. Promote agroforestry and sustainable farming as key tools to combat land degradation.
e. Enhance collaboration with traditional authorities and local assemblies to enforce bye-laws against indiscriminate tree felling and bush burning.
Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate this important day, let us remember that the battle against desertification and drought is not one of science alone, it is one of survival and intergenerational justice.
We owe it to the farmers of Zebilla, the schoolchildren in Chereponi, the women shea collectors in Tumu (Sissala), and the future generations of Ghana to protect the land they depend on.
Let us act boldly and urgently for indeed, when the last tree dies, the last man dies.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker for the opportunity.
