In celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Tamale hosted a pivotal event focusing on national efforts to reverse land degradation and promote environmental sustainability. The event highlighted the pressing need for reforestation, ecological awareness, and land restoration, particularly in light of Ghana’s escalating environmental challenges.

Empowering the Next Generation

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of fostering environmental responsibility among Ghana’s youth. He introduced the “One Child, One Tree” initiative, which aims to empower every child in Ghana to plant and care for a tree. This initiative is viewed as a crucial step in the country’s broader efforts to reforest and enhance climate resilience.

“We aim to instill a culture of environmental responsibility in our younger generation. The goal is to empower every child in Ghana to plant and care for a tree,” Dr. Murtala said. He commended the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regional partners for their continued commitment to promoting tree-planting initiatives.

The Pressing Need for Land Restoration

Dr Murtala highlighted the growing environmental pressures facing Ghana, including deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and the devastating effects of climate change. These factors are rapidly degrading the country’s ecosystems, particularly in the five northern regions. He emphasised that land restoration is not only essential for combating desertification but also for enhancing agriculture, creating employment opportunities, conserving water, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

“Land restoration is a critical part of our strategy. It will help improve agriculture, create jobs, conserve water, and capture carbon,” he said, reaffirming the government’s dedication to embedding environmental sustainability in national development policies under the leadership of President John Mahama.

Recognising Efforts in Environmental Stewardship

As part of the event, Dr. Murtala presented awards to institutions and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to tree planting and environmental care. Among the awardees were the Tamale Nursing Training College, the University for Development Studies in Tamale, SARI, and various youth chiefs in the region, all of whom have shown outstanding commitment to maintaining healthy green spaces in their communities.

Global and National Impact

Mr. Felix Addo Okyere, Director and Head of Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered a message on behalf of the EPA CEO, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. He highlighted the alarming global scale of desertification, revealing that approximately one million square kilometres of productive land are degraded annually, affecting 1.3 billion people. Moreover, 1.8 billion people live in drought-prone areas, with over 4.4% enduring extreme drought conditions. Ghana is not immune to these challenges, with more than 39% of its land facing desertification, poor land use, and the harsh effects of climate change.

Northern Region’s Commitment to Reforestation

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, praised the “One Child, One Tree” campaign, recognising its alignment with the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, which aims to plant over 30 million trees by 2025. He urged all stakeholders to ramp up their efforts in combating desertification. He pledged the full support of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to ensure the success of these initiatives.

A Collective Call for Action

The Tamale event served as a powerful reminder of the pressing environmental challenges Ghana faces. It emphasised the need for collective action to combat desertification, drought, and land degradation. By empowering the next generation, fostering public awareness, and committing to large-scale reforestation efforts, the country is taking critical steps toward a greener and more resilient future.

Eco Restore, a prominent reforestation and restorative social enterprise has officially launched its annual tree-planting month in Takoradi, located in the North East Region. This initiative combines ancient sustainable practices with cutting-edge regenerative techniques to improve soil health, restore biodiversity, and ensure food security for future generations.

Celebrating World Environment Day with Purpose

The launch of the tree planting month coincided with the celebration of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, which this year focused on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This theme aligns perfectly with Eco Restore’s broader mission to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable land management practices across the region.

Global Shea Landscape Emission Reduction Project

The tree planting month forms part of the Global Shea Landscape Emission Reduction Project (GSLERP). This five-year initiative started in 2024. The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It is implemented by the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

In partnership with Bunge, a primary international shea processor, and their collaborator Agriterra, Eco Restore aims to plant 142,000 trees across 19 communities by 2025. Of these, 100,000 will be shea trees, with the remaining 42,000 being non-shea trees.

A Million Trees Planted and Counting

At the launch event, Eco Restore Director Dr Peter Lovett shared the organisation’s remarkable achievement of planting over one million trees in the past six years. He emphasised the importance of planting more indigenous trees, particularly shea trees, highlighting their role in supporting reforestation efforts, generating market value, and serving as a vital source of livelihood for women.

A Call for Environmental Responsibility

Dr. Issahaku Zakaria, another Eco Restore Director, called on the public to avoid activities that harm the environment. He urged individuals to plant more trees or replace those they cut down, emphasising the importance of sustainable land management to prevent the future loss of vital ecosystems and landscapes.

Symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony

The launch was further marked by a symbolic tree-planting ceremony led by the chief of Takorayiri, Mba Takora Dinbahara Dabru. Other key figures, including ISODEC Coordinator Madam Agnes A. Gandaa, Madam Scholastica Atarah from the Centre for Ecological and Livelihood (CEAL), and Dr. Michael Barnor, officer-in-charge of the Bole sub-station of CRIG, also participated in the event, showing their support for this critical environmental initiative.

Eco Restore’s annual tree planting month serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Through these efforts, the organisation aims to make a lasting impact on the environment, community livelihoods, and sustainable land-use practices.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye has called for urgent and tangible measures to resolve the ongoing conflict in Bawku. He expressed deep concern about the prolonged insecurity in the area, urging the government to move beyond verbal assurances and implement lasting solutions that ensure peace and safety for the residents.

Moving Beyond Verbal Assurances

Speaking during the ordination of ministerial probationers at the Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church in Burma Camp, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye criticized what he described as “cosmetic” measures being taken to address the conflict. He pointed out that verbal promises from government authorities have failed to deliver meaningful results, highlighting the need for real, practical solutions.

The Moderator emphasized that the safety of the people in Bawku must be the primary concern, stressing that current actions have not sufficiently addressed the root cause of the conflict. He mentioned a recent order from the president instructing the military to accompany people travelling on the Bawku road, a clear indication that the situation remains unresolved.

Impact on the Church’s Mission

The ongoing conflict has severely affected the Church’s ability to deliver essential services, particularly in healthcare and education, to the communities in the conflict zones. Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye expressed his concern over the disruption of students’ education, noting incidents such as the recent shooting at a school bus, which further undermines trust and safety.

“I cannot assure them of safety. Though it is my school, I cannot guarantee their protection,” he said, reflecting on the grim reality faced by students and their families.

A Call for Unity and Cooperation

Despite the challenges, the Moderator remains hopeful that peace can be achieved if all parties come together. He called on national leaders, security agencies, and traditional leaders of the two ethnic groups involved to sit down and collaborate on a solution. He expressed confidence that with concerted effort, peace could be restored to Bawku.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye’s call underscores the urgent need for a unified approach to resolving the Bawku conflict, with an emphasis on long-term solutions that restore safety, security, and trust to the region.

Alhaji Adams Muaza, the newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lawra in the Upper West Region, has tragically passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Reports indicate that he has been struggling with health issues since his appointment in April 2025.

Health Struggles and Tragic Timing

Alhaji Muaza’s death comes at a time when the Lawra Municipality is still reeling from the recent tragic drowning of seven students in the Black Volta at Dikpe. The loss of the MCE adds to the deep sorrow in the region, which has been facing a difficult period.

Political and Community Contributions

Before becoming MCE, Alhaji Muaza had served as the Deputy Constituency Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lawra. His passing marks a significant loss to the community, where he had been a prominent figure, contributing to both political and social life in the area.

The School of Thought, a youth-led organisation, recently hosted the “Start Right” educational fair aimed at final-year Senior High School students in the Northern Region. This initiative is designed to open doors for students, providing them with a broader understanding of their future career options and university opportunities.

A Platform for Informed Decisions

The fair brought together over 10 tertiary institutions, career coaches, mentors, and development practitioners. The primary goal was to equip students with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. Abraham Agoni, the founder of the School of Thought, emphasised the limited educational opportunities that many students in the region face. He pointed out that most students are only familiar with the few schools in their area, leaving them unaware of the vast array of options available elsewhere.

“This platform is meant to open their minds,” Agoni remarked, highlighting how important it is for students to explore beyond their immediate surroundings.

Balancing Passion and Profession

Guest speakers at the event also contributed valuable insights to guide students in their decision-making. Actor and comedian Clement Ashetey shared his own journey, illustrating the importance of striking a balance between passion and professional goals. He encouraged the students to prioritise their interests while also being proactive in securing opportunities.

“I didn’t just wait for the job to come. I worked for it, and I also followed my passion for acting. What I’ve done is prioritise what’s important,” he said, inspiring students to make deliberate choices in their careers.

Embracing Technology for Self-Development

Mindset engineer and leadership coach Prophet Prakash Pyne also addressed the students, stressing the role technology plays in shaping their future. He pointed out that the world of education has undergone dramatic changes, enabling students to access vast amounts of knowledge with just a few clicks.

“In times past, you had to go to the library or travel far for education. But today, within seconds, you can do a lot,” Pyne said. He encouraged students to embrace technology as a tool for knowledge and self-improvement, urging them to make the most of it to better themselves.

Effective Prioritisation and Responsibility Management

The event also featured a talk by Joe Ann Yakyiwah Sackey, Deputy Director of the UK Department of Business and Trade. She emphasised the importance of setting priorities and managing responsibilities effectively, offering students a practical approach to balancing their academic and personal lives.

Conclusion

The Start Right fair has undoubtedly served as a powerful platform for expanding career choices and academic opportunities for Northern SHS students. Insights from various experts have inspired students to explore beyond conventional options, embrace technology, and make well-informed decisions about their futures.

WaterAid Ghana has successfully completed the expansion of the Bongo Water Supply System, a GH¢2.5 million project aimed at providing safer and more reliable access to clean water in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.

Increased Water Production

The expansion has significantly increased the daily water production capacity, raising it from a modest 20,000 litres to an impressive 116,000 litres. This expansion was made possible through collaboration with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) and the financial support of the Zochonis Charitable Trust. The total project cost amounted to GH¢2,553,145.33, and it is expected to bring much-needed relief to local residents.

Project Highlights

Key aspects of the newly completed project include:

• The mechanisationMechanisation of two existing boreholes to boost production.
• Construction of two pump houses and four public standpipes.
• Installation of an institutional standpipe and laying of nine kilometres of distribution pipelines.

These upgrades are a crucial part of a broader initiative to address the twin challenges of water scarcity and fluoride contamination in the region’s groundwater.

A Critical Step Forward

At the inauguration ceremony, Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, Country Director for WaterAid Ghana, stressed that while this project was an important milestone, there is still much to be done. She highlighted that fluoride contamination remains a serious concern in Bongo, noting that out of the four boreholes previously used, three are now compromised due to fluoride levels that exceeded safe limits.

“The people of Bongo deserve clean water every day,” she said, urging the government and donors to invest in alternative water sources, particularly surface water, which is not affected by fluoride. However, she emphasised that tackling this issue will require large-scale investments that WaterAid cannot handle alone.

Fluoride Contamination Still a Concern

Emmanuel Oppong, Acting Upper East Regional Director for CWSA, explained that the project was designed to address two urgent issues: limited access to potable water and unsafe fluoride levels in the region’s groundwater. Of the 11 boreholes tested, only seven met the acceptable fluoride threshold of 1.5 mg/l. Two of the boreholes, with yields of 4.8 and 6.0 cubic metres per hour, were selected for mechanisation.

Oppong expressed gratitude towards WaterAid Ghana and its partners for their technical and financial contributions to improving access to safe drinking water in Bongo.

A Community United for Sustainability

Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, extended his gratitude to WaterAid Ghana and its partners for their dedication to providing potable water to the region. He pledged to rally his community to care for the system and ensure its longevity, guaranteeing that future generations will benefit from these crucial improvements.

The expansion of the Bongo Water Supply System marks a significant milestone in improving water access, but further action is needed to ensure that the people of Bongo have a consistent and sustainable water supply in the years to come.

The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Health

Midwife Mary Azika has raised the alarm over the rising cases of teenage pregnancy, emphasizing the severe complications that pregnant teenagers face. She explained that the reproductive system of adolescents is not fully developed, making them more vulnerable to pregnancy-related health issues.

Teenage girls, she noted, often suffer from life-threatening complications, especially during labour, due to the immaturity of their reproductive systems. The challenges are intensified when young girls, who are not fully mature, attempt to carry a pregnancy. These pregnancies often come with a range of problems, making them more challenging to manage.

Complications During Pregnancy and Labor

Azika further pointed out that even mature women struggle with pregnancy, highlighting the additional risks for teenagers. She explained that while hospitals are equipped to manage teenage pregnancies, complications can still arise. In cases where the girl is unable to deliver naturally, a Cesarean section (CS) is sometimes the only option.

The situation worsens when young pregnant girls do not seek medical help. Many do not visit healthcare facilities for regular check-ups, such as antenatal and clinical checks, which increases the risks associated with pregnancy.

Call for Action to Address the Menace

Azika urged authorities to take decisive steps to address the growing issue of teenage pregnancy. She proposed several solutions, including raising the age for sexual consent and implementing comprehensive sex education from an early age.

She countered the misconception that sex education encourages immorality, stating that proper education helps protect young girls from unsafe sex and its potential consequences, including pregnancy and diseases. While she advocates for abstinence, she emphasized that teaching safe sex practices is crucial for those who cannot abstain, ensuring they are not putting their lives at risk.

Pregnancy Among Schoolgirls: A Growing Concern

Azika’s comments came amid a recent revelation that 38 pregnant girls and nursing mothers are registered to sit the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Upper East Region. Abraham Giba Adoctor, the Regional Examination Coordinator for the Ghana Education Service (GES), revealed that 17 of these candidates are nursing mothers, while 21 are visibly pregnant.

A Collective Effort Needed

Azika concluded by calling for a collective approach to tackle teenage pregnancy. She stressed the importance of addressing the issue holistically, with cooperation from both the government and the community, to safeguard the health and future of young girls.

Boosting Economic Growth Through Soybeans

Professor Samuel Adjei-Nsiah, former Head of the Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre at Kade, has called on the government to increase its investment in soybean production, particularly in the Northern Region. He emphasised that soybeans have immense potential not only to boost economic growth but also to create employment and enhance food security.

Challenges Faced by Soybean Farmers

Speaking at an inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, Prof. Adjei-Nsiah highlighted several challenges faced by soybean farmers in the region. These include poor soil fertility, climate variability, limited adoption of yield-enhancing technologies, and insufficient access to mechanisation services. These issues have contributed to the low levels of soybean production in the Northern Region.

Export Concerns and Market Imbalance

Prof. Adjei-Nsiah also expressed concern over the quantity of soybeans being exported from Ghana. In 2023, approximately 47,230 metric tonnes of soybeans were exported to countries such as the USA, India, Turkey, Canada, and Singapore through official channels. However, he noted that unofficial exports through porous borders were likely double that amount. He pointed out that 72% of the exports went to the USA, which produces 100 million metric tonnes of genetically modified (GMO) soybeans annually. This raised questions about why the USA would import organic soybeans from Ghana when it already produces its own.

The Value of Organic Beans

According to Prof. Adjei-Nsiah, the soybeans produced in Ghana are organic and non-GMO, in contrast to the genetically modified (GMO) soybeans produced in countries like the USA. He argued that while the USA processes its GMO soybeans and exports them to Ghana, Ghana is exporting its organic beans to the same countries without receiving premium prices for them. He emphasised the need for Ghana to prioritise the consumption of its organic soybeans and reduce its reliance on imports.

Soybeans as an Import Substitute

Prof. Adjei-Nsiah suggested that soybeans could serve as an adequate substitute for Ghana’s imports. He highlighted its potential in the production of poultry feed and feed for other animals, which could reduce the country’s reliance on imported animal feed and enhance local agricultural productivity.

Research Advancements in Soybean Production

Over the past decade, Prof. Adjei-Nsiah and his research team have worked tirelessly to improve soybean production in the Northern Region. Through capacity-building programs for farmers and extension agents, as well as participatory research and on-farm trials, they have developed drought-tolerant, high-yielding, and disease-resistant soybean varieties. Furthermore, they have used Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools to provide smallholder farmers with real-time agronomic advice, weather updates, and market information.

Recognition for Contributions

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of UG, Legon, commended Prof. Adjei-Nsiah and his research team for their significant contributions to enhancing soybean production in the Northern Region. Their efforts have not only improved local soybean yields but also helped strengthen the agricultural sector as a whole.

The Call for Strategic Investment

In conclusion, Prof. Adjei-Nsiah urged the government to increase its investment in soybean production as a means of driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving food security in the Northern Region. He emphasised the need for strategic measures to address the challenges faced by farmers and to maximise the country’s potential in soybean production.