First Lady urges Ghanaians to grow more trees

The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, has called on Ghanaians to grow more trees in order to restore lost forests, repair damaged ecosystems and mitigate climate change.

Environment Day

The First Lady made the call during the celebration of World Environment Day and the launch of a project dubbed "Planting for Now and Future" by the Department of Parks and Gardens, at the Aburi Botanical Gardens.

Mrs Akufo-Addo, who was represented by Mr Kwaku Kwaakye of the Rebecca Foundation, said trees influenced everything from the environment to physical health.

"Without trees to regulate and maintain the environment, there will be no life. Trees influence everything from the environment to our physical health. Trees produce oxygen which is vital to life on earth," she said.

Grow trees

She urged Ghanaians to make a difference by planting and caring for trees in their homes and public spaces, reiterating expert opinion that if everyone planted one tree annually and cared for it, there would be 75 billion new trees within the next 10 years.

The First Lady disclosed that the Rebecca Foundation was taking steps towards restoring the country's ecosystem by partnering with the Department of Parks and Gardens to plant a million trees across the country over the next two years.

Restore forest

To seal the partnership, a tree was planted on behalf of the First Lady in the Aburi Botanical Gardens.

She expressed hope in the future of the planet, adding that "if we all take the necessary steps to restore our lost forests and mitigate climate change obviously we shall get there”.

"Today as we plant a tree to launch this project, I do so with a sense of humility and confidence that decades and centuries later, someone will stand under this tree, touch it, connect to its presence and stand in awe of nature", she added.

Writer's email-rebecca.quaicoe-duho@graphic.com.gh