President Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to plant more trees to preserve the country’s forest cover and the environment.

In an address, ahead of a tree planting exercise slated for Friday, June 11, the President noted that illegal mining has left detrimental effects on the environment. As such, all and sundry must support to regain the enormous forest cover that the nation had some decades ago.

Highlighting the importance of trees, the President stressed that the survival of human beings is based on the existence of trees.

“We cannot sit by and watch as our trees, flora and fauna are wiped out. Our very existence is tied directly to the survival of trees. Without the oxygen produced by trees, we cannot survive as humans.

“So on Friday, June 11, the tree planting exercise will ensure that we are not only sowing seeds just for one day, but also for generations to come. I urge all Ghanaians to join this clarion call and help preserve our environment,” he stated.

The President further noted that the exercise must not be one-off, stressing the need for nurturing in order for the planted trees to grow.

“Lend your support to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as it executes this ambitious national assignment. I will be planting a tree and I expect you too to plant one. Let us make Ghana green,” the President charged.

In April 2021, the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry launched a Green Ghana initiative which aims to plant 5 million trees in a single day across the country.

The initiative is part of a strategy to embark on aggressive afforestation to protect forests and the environment in Ghana.