Mahama launches 'One Tree per Child' initiative to combat environmental degradation

President John Mahama has announced a new initiative called One Tree per Child. This program aims to engage every school-age child in Ghana. Each child will plant and nurture at least one tree.

The President spoke at the World Environment Day celebrations in Kwabenya. He described the initiative as crucial for addressing environmental challenges. These challenges include plastic pollution and land degradation.

“Plastics, when not managed properly, become a long-term hazard,” he said. “That is why today, I’m proud to launch the One Tree per Child initiative.”

The program will provide seedlings to schoolchildren across the country. The type of tree will be chosen based on local ecological conditions.

Teachers, environmental officers, Forestry Commission staff, and traditional leaders will help students. They will guide them in planting and caring for their trees.

According to President Mahama, this initiative aims to create lifelong environmental stewards. It also seeks to generate tangible climate benefits for Ghana.

“By 2030, this program will result in tens of millions of trees planted,” he explained. These trees will stabilize soils, cool cities, absorb carbon dioxide, and restore ecosystems.

The 'One Tree per Child' initiative builds on the Tree for Life Afforestation Programme launched in March. This earlier effort aims to restore seven million hectares of degraded land through mass tree planting.

The President emphasized that this initiative promotes sustainability and civic duty among youth. “Each tree will serve as a lesson in responsibility and civic pride,” he concluded.

This program is expected to strengthen Ghana’s fight against deforestation and climate change. It also aims to instill a culture of environmental care in future leaders.