Over 65,000 seedlings have been planted as part of the Green Ghana Initiative at a reclaimed mining site in Akyem Juaso in the Eastern Region.
This is part of a collaborative effort from the Fanteakwa South District Assembly, and the Forestry Commission in the district as part of the Green Ghana Project 2024, a national afforestation initiative which was launched last Friday.
The Forestry Commission has targeted planting and nurturing a total of 120,000 seedlings in the Fanteakwa South district, with 45,000 to be planted within forest reserves and the rest in other areas to complement the national afforestation initiative.
Speaking at the program, Member of Parliament for Fanteakwa South, Kofi Okyere Agyekum, praised Kibi Goldfield Company Ltd for their responsible mining practices, reclaiming lands and releasing them to the Forestry Commission for reforestation.
He emphasized the significance of tree planting, encouraging everyone to take ownership and stressed the importance of proper tree care, urging the Forestry Commission and the public to ensure the trees planted since 2021 receive proper maintenance to achieve their intended purpose.
The District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South District, Ernest Ofosu, noted that most of the trees planted in the last three years have survived, indicating a positive trend.
He expressed worry about the effects of how illegal mining activities are still going on and destroying the water bodies, adding that the Assembly is putting up effective measures to help arrest the situation.
Robert Adomako Asare, the Begoro Assistant District Manager for the Forestry Commission, provided a progress update on the tree planting initiative in Fanteakwa South.
The Deputy Managing Director of Kibi Goldfield Mining Company Ltd, Kofi Darfuor Darteh, highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices, going beyond mere compliance.
He announced the release of 20 acres of reclaimed land in Akyem Juaso for the national reafforestation program, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship.
