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.
