Green for Change Ghana has made a remarkable stride in environmental conservation through its efforts by distributing nearly 1,200 tree seedlings comprising Guava, Mango, Cashew, Orange, and Cassia—to the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in the Tamale Archdiocese of Ghana.

This initiative is in support of the Laudato Si programme, introduced by Pope Francis to protect the environment.

The seedlings were distributed to parishioners, non-parishioners, and members of other religious groups, promoting widespread planting in homes, backyard gardens, and community-degraded areas.

Schools within the parish also received seedlings to enhance their green spaces.

The Executive Director of Green for Change Ghana, John Balankoo Sumbo, highlighted the importance of this initiative.

"Our goal is to contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience by involving the parish community in tree planting.”

"We believe that by providing these seedlings, we are not only helping to green the environment but also promoting a culture of environmental stewardship which aligns with the vision of Green for Change Ghana and also the call of the Holy Father Pope Francis II to care for the environment", he said.

Before distributing the seedlings, Green for Change Ghana conducted a training programme for the parishioners of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

The training, which also included non-parishioners and members of other religious groups, focused on best practices for tree planting and nurturing.

Mr Sumbo stated, "The training programme was crucial in equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare their planting areas in anticipation of receiving the seedlings for planting to ensure that the trees will thrive and contribute to the overall greening of the environment” explained.

The Executive Director also outlined a series of activities that will be implemented under the initiative adding, "As part of the implementation, we will conduct periodic visits or telephone calls to participants to monitor the nurturing process and provide technical support to enhance the survival of the seedlings. Additionally, we will conduct community sensitization on environmental degradation and establish conservation clubs in schools to instill the spirit of environmentalism in the youth, who are agents of change in their communities" Mr John Balankoo Sumbo.

Looking ahead, Green for Change Ghana is eager to scale this initiative and is open to strategic collaborations and funding support to expand our efforts to all over 16 parishes and places of worship within the archdiocese," Mr John Balankoo Sumbo said.

The Executive Director also mentioned that the organization's goal for next year is to provide 30,000 seedlings to interested beneficiaries.

This, according to him, will help green their homes, improve the micro-climatic conditions in their communities, reduce carbon footprints, and address the pressing issue of environmental degradation in Ghana.

“Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure a sustainable future for our communities."

The curate of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Rev. Fr. Philemon Nuo-ere who is also supporting the implementation of the Laudato Si initiative in the parish indicated that the initiative will contribute to healing the earth and encourage participants to take adequate care of their seedlings after they are planted, since according to him, tree planting is a continuous process and not a one-off activity.