The 2026 edition of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative commenced nationwide on World Environment Day, with government placing strong emphasis on tree survival over planting numbers.
Speaking at the West African Senior High School during the launch on Friday, 5th June 2026, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said this year’s exercise will focus on “post-planting care, monitoring, and maintenance” to ensure seedlings mature into forests.
“We planted over 31 million trees in 2025 against a target of 30 million,” Buah announced. “But the true measure of success is not the number of seedlings planted, but the number of trees that survive and mature. A tree planted and neglected contributes little to our environmental restoration.”
‘Forest and Economies’ Theme
The 2026 campaign runs under the theme “Forest and Economies”, which Buah said highlights that forests are both environmental and economic assets. This ties into the global World Environment Day 2026 theme: “Inspired by Nature for Climate and Our Future.”
“Nature is our greatest ally in addressing the climate crisis,” he told students and dignitaries. “Nature provides the solutions we need to mitigate climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, secure water resources, protect biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods.”
Quoting a participant from a previous event, Buah added: “Before cutting a tree is like taking out copies of a book that is yet to be read. That is so profound.” He urged Ghanaians to see environmental protection and economic prosperity as “mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development.”
Climate Reality Hits Home
Buah warned that Ghana is already feeling climate impacts: rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, flooding, coastal erosion, and declining forest cover.
“These impacts threaten food security, water resources, public health, livelihoods, and economic growth. In fact, they threaten our very survival,” he said. “Climate change is no longer a future threat. It is the present reality of the present day.”
He said President John Dramani Mahama remains personally committed to the agenda, noting the President attends the launch “if only he is in Ghana.” Government, he added, continues to implement policies under the Paris Agreement, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, clean cooking, waste management, and marine protected areas.
Youth as Environmental Ambassadors
Buah described the choice of West African SHS as “highly symbolic” because “the future of environmental sustainability rests largely in the hands of today’s youth.”
He charged students nationwide to plant and care for trees, avoid littering, conserve water and energy, protect wildlife, and promote environmental awareness. Teachers were urged to integrate environmental education into lessons and extracurricular activities.
“Let us move beyond awareness to action. Let us move beyond planting to nurturing. Let us move beyond short-term interventions to long-term sustainability,” Buah stressed.
Plastic Ban Progress
He also updated on government’s plastic pollution fight, saying processes toward banning polystyrene foam “commonly known as Tyrofoam takeaway packs” are “progressing steadily,” alongside intensified public education on recycling and responsible consumption.
Buah, on behalf of President Mahama, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, thanked traditional authorities, religious bodies, CSOs, private sector, schools, and development partners for supporting Ghana’s climate agenda.
“Together, let’s build a greener, more resilient, and more prosperous Ghana,” he concluded before declaring the 2026 tree planting season duly launched.
Source:tolonradio.com
