Ga West: The Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region is taking steps to boost up efforts in tree planting in the municipality to help protect the environment and to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Mr. John Desmond Nii Sowah Nai, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), speaking to the media, at the commemoration of the World Environment Day 2025, said, the move was geared towards a culture of tree planting and nurturing especially among the youth.

According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is aimed at restoring the degraded forest landscapes and enhancing environmental sustainability. The tree planting was under the ‘Tree for Life Restoration Initiative (TLRI)’ of the government, thus, the ‘Make Ghana Green Project 2025.’

Mr. Sowah Nai highlighted that this initiative is also focused on improving the municipality’s vegetation as well as making it serene, lively, and healthy while helping to protect rivers and streams to maintain their natural status. He stated that the Assembly under his leadership has begun annual distribution of not less than 1,000 free tree seedlings such as mangoes, avocadoes, coconut, royal palm, among others, to community members.

The MCE explained that the distribution is conducted through school children in the Assembly’s administrative areas to motivate the interest and passion for tree planting and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 13), which emphasizes the need for commitment to climate action. ‘It is not just about trees; it is about life, climate resilience, food security, biodiversity, and leaving behind a green legacy for future generations,’ he stressed.

Mr. Sowah Nai pointed out that global warming is causing long-lasting changes to the climate system and threatens irreversible consequences if not addressed. He commended various stakeholders such as the Forestry Commission, Ghana Education Service, Assembly Members, among others for their collaboration, active contribution and participation in the exercise. He also called for collective efforts against indiscriminate felling of trees and warned that such practices degrade the environment.