Ecobank Ghana is calling on Corporate Ghana to take stronger and more proactive action in addressing environmental challenges, particularly the rising threats of deforestation and illegal mining.

Speaking at an event to mark World Environment Day in Accra, Tara Squire, Regional Head for Consumer Banking at Ecobank Ghana and Anglophone West Africa, emphasised that the private sector has a crucial role to play in reversing environmental degradation and building long-term climate resilience.

“One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people, and a healthy tree can store 13 pounds of carbon each year. For every 16,000 kilometres you drive, it takes approximately seven trees to absorb the carbon dioxide produced. We must realise that each one of us can make a difference to the environment, just by planting a tree,” he stated.

As part of its commitment, Ecobank Ghana has launched a nationwide tree planting campaign aimed at planting 2,500 trees across the country.

The initiative aligns with the government efforts to reduce carbon emissions and to realise the vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.

At the tree planting exercise in Accra, Dorcas Asiamah, District Manager for the Greater Accra Region of the Forestry Commission, encouraged Ghanaians to see tree planting as a practical solution to climate change.

“Tree planting is vital because it helps prevent soil erosion. Without vegetation cover, rainfall easily washes away the topsoil. While Ghana has many trees, we’re also losing a great number to illegal mining, an activity that is causing serious harm to the environment,” she noted.

Students who took part in the event also pledged their support for the campaign, describing the exercise as educative, inspiring, and impactful.