Restoring Forest Cover- President Mahama Launches Tree For Life Initiative,Targeting 7million Seedlings

President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring lands damaged by illegal mining activities popularly known as galamseyers and ensuring that mining are conducted legally and responsibly.

He however issued a stern warning that any government appointees or official found violating directives against illegal mining will face severe sanctions including possible removal from office .

President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his stance during a speech to launch the Tree for Life Restoration Initiative project at Nkawie In the Atwima Nwabiagya south Municipality of the Ashanti region .

There is more in the following report .

The Tree for Life initiative seeks to raise awareness about the importance of trees in protecting the environment, combat the effects of climate change, restore lands and rivers degraded by galamsey activities, and instill in Ghanaian youth a spirit and desire to protect the environment.

Addressing a gathering of chiefs, government officials and residents at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region, which also coincided with the celebration of International day of the forest observed every year on March 21 across the globe ,

President Mahama disclosed that his commitment to environmental protection can be seen in his directive to the Minister of Environment to commence the process for the repeal of LI 2462, which empowers the President to unilaterally grant authorization for mining activities in forest reserves.

President John Mahama stated that the government’s efforts to protect the country’s environment are not typified solely by the fight against galamsey but also by land reclamation efforts. announcing that a pilot project by a private group has successfully restored 16 hectares of land.

The intention is to scale this up to 500 acres of reclaimed land a year, these he noted aim, in the short term, to reclaim at least 10,000 hectares of land. President Mahama further stated that the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative forms part of the government’s holistic efforts to repair river bodies that have been damaged by the activities of illegal mining.

The minister for Lands and Natural Resources , Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah underscored the urgency of the program, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is depleting at an alarming rate, posing serious ecological risks.

He also stressed the collaborative efforts by the forestry commission and partners in providing seedlings to all manner of person interested in participating in the tree planting exercise adding that the success of the initiative hinges on collective efforts of every Ghanaian.

He further touted the potential of the Initiative to serve as a job creation platform that will help reduce the unemployment rate among the youth of the country .

On his part , the Ashanti regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene lauded the initiative and assured the full support and cooperation of the region .

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.