From planting to protecting: The real test of tree for life

The launch of the 2026 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in Accra on Friday by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, could not have come at a more critical moment for Ghana.

Held as part of World Environment Day activities, the event served as more than a ceremonial gathering.

It was a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present and growing danger.

As the Minister rightly observed, the country is already experiencing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and coastal erosion.

These developments are not merely environmental concerns. They are direct threats to food security, water supply, public health and livelihoods. In essence, they pose a serious risk to the nation’s economic stability.

This is why tree planting must be treated as a national priority. Trees are central to the fight against climate change.

They absorb carbon dioxide, regulate the climate, protect water bodies and preserve biodiversity. Without sustained reforestation, Ghana’s efforts at building climate resilience will remain inadequate.

The planting of over 31 million trees under the 2025 initiative is commendable.

However, as Mr Buah emphasised, success must not be measured by the number of trees planted, but by how many survive and mature.

This distinction is crucial. For too long, tree planting exercises have often ended at the ceremonial stage, with little attention paid to nurturing the seedlings.

The renewed focus on maintenance and survival rates is therefore a step in the right direction.

The reported survival rates, particularly the lower figures in the northern savannah, point to the need for sustained effort.

Tree planting must go hand in hand with proper care, protection from bushfires and community ownership.

Citizens have a critical role to play. Schools, communities and individuals must take responsibility for trees planted in their environments.

 Environmental stewardship must become a shared national duty, not the responsibility of government alone.

Forests, as highlighted by the Forestry Commission, remain vital to the economy.

They support livelihoods, contribute to key industries and serve as watersheds for major rivers. Yet, deforestation and degradation continue to undermine these benefits.

Illegal mining, logging and land misuse remain serious challenges. Without firm enforcement of environmental laws, reforestation efforts risk being undone.

The government’s broader measures, including tackling plastic pollution and moving towards banning polystyrene packaging, are commendable.

However, policies must be matched with action and public cooperation.

Ultimately, the success of the Tree for Life Initiative will depend on a collective shift in attitude. Tree planting must not be seen as a one-day event but as a continuous national effort.

The fight against climate change will be won not only through policy but through everyday actions. Each tree planted and protected is a step towards safeguarding Ghana’s future.

The call is simple but urgent: plant more trees, protect them and ensure they grow. Our survival depends on it.

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