Forestry Commission encourages tree planting, distributes free seedlings to residents
Forestry Commission urges public to plant trees and access free seedlings under Tree for Life initiative
The Navrongo District Manager of the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission, George Boamey, has called on residents to actively participate in tree planting activities to help restore degraded lands and safeguard the environment.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 11, Boamey said the government’s Tree for Life initiative was introduced to encourage individuals, institutions and communities to plant more trees across the country as part of efforts to combat environmental degradation.
He expressed concern over the increasing destruction of forest resources through indiscriminate tree felling, charcoal production, bush burning and illegal mining activities, warning that such practices continue to pose serious threats to the environment.
“There has been a lot of devastation, and the only thing that can help us reclaim our environment is planting trees,” he stated.
According to Boamey, trees play a vital role in sustaining life by providing oxygen, food, medicine, shade and other ecological benefits essential to human well-being and environmental sustainability.
He stressed the need to involve young people in environmental conservation efforts, noting that instilling the values of environmental stewardship in students would help secure a greener future.
As part of measures to promote tree planting, Boamey announced that the Forestry Commission is distributing tree seedlings free of charge to interested individuals, groups and communities.
“The tree seedlings we are producing for the public are not for sale,” he said, encouraging residents to visit the Forestry Commission office to obtain seedlings for planting.
He also dismissed claims that individuals who approach the commission on matters relating to tree management or tree felling risk being arrested, describing such assertions as false and misleading.
“Some people believe that when they come to us regarding a tree-related issue, especially tree felling, they will be arrested. That is not true. It is a misconception,” he clarified.
Boamey appealed to traditional authorities, educational institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the Tree for Life initiative to ensure its success.
He emphasized that trees are a shared natural resource whose benefits extend to everyone, regardless of location or background.
“Every tree on the land of Ghana, and indeed anywhere in the world, is important to all of us. We must therefore make a collective effort to protect and nurture them,” he said.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
