By: Maltiti Sayida sadick
The global observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was commemorated in Tamale with a strong national call for reforestation, environmental awareness, and land restoration. The event spotlighted Ghana’s growing environmental challenges and government-led efforts to reverse land degradation.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, emphasized the importance of instilling a culture of environmental responsibility in the younger generation.
“The goal is to empower every child in Ghana to plant and care for a tree,” he said, highlighting the initiative’s contribution to national reforestation and climate resilience. Dr Ibrahim Murtala also commended the Environmental protection agency and partners in the region for efforts in promoting the tree planting initiatives.
He cautioned that human-induced pressures such as deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and climate change are rapidly degrading Ghana’s ecosystems, particularly in the five northern regions.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed underscored the urgent need for land restoration, pointing to its potential for improving agriculture, generating employment, conserving water, capturing carbon, and building sustainable livelihoods. He reiterated the government’s dedication to embedding environmental sustainability in national development policies under the leadership of President John Mahama.
The Minister presented awards to various institutions and individuals who engage in regular tree planting and do due diligence in care for trees in their various institutions, among them being the Tamale Nursing training college, University for Development studies Tamale, SARI, youth chiefs.
Representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Felix Addo Okyere, Director and Head of Change, delivered a message on behalf of EPA CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse.
He noted that approximately one million square kilometers of productive land are degraded globally each year, affecting 1.3 billion people. He further revealed that nearly 1.8 billion people reside in drought-prone areas, with over 4.4% enduring extreme drought conditions. Ghana has not been spared, with more than 39% of its land suffering the effects of desertification, poor land use, and climate change.
Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, commended the “One Child, One Tree” campaign and its alignment with the broader Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, which seeks to plant more than 30 million trees by 2025.
He urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts in combating desertification and pledged the full support of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.
The event in Tamale served as a reminder of the pressing environmental issues facing Ghana and the collective action required to secure a greener, more resilient future.
