On Thursday, 5th June, 2025, the South Tongu District Assembly premises came alive with a vibrant display of environmental commitment as stakeholders gathered to commemorate the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative. The event, which kicked off at 8:00 am, was a testament to the district’s dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation.
The Tree for Life Initiative, launched by His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, aims to promote a greener Ghana by encouraging citizens to plant and nurture trees. This ambitious project seeks to restore degraded forests, promote sustainable land use, and mitigate the effects of climate change. By empowering communities to take ownership of their environment, the initiative hopes to create a ripple effect of positive change across the country.
The commemoration event began with an opening prayer by the Presiding Member of South Tongu District Assembly, Hon. Mensah Kwaku Kudze, followed by an opening remark by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Victoria Dzeklo. Hon. Dzeklo emphasized the importance of trees in our ecosystem, urging everyone to desist from cutting down trees and instead nurture them. “Trees protect our buildings, and we should strive to use alternative energy sources instead of firewood for charcoal,” she said. She also announced that the Assembly would be visiting communities to continue the Tree for Life project, ensuring that the initiative’s impact is felt across the district.
In a heartfelt statement, representative for the Member of Parliament for South Tongu District, highlighted the significance of trees in our lives. “When the last tree dies, the last man dies,” he said, emphasizing that trees give us life, oxygen, and sustenance. He urged everyone to plant and protect trees, stressing that this simple act can have a profound impact on our environment and our future.
Representative from Forestry Commision echoed these sentiments, stating that planting one tree is equivalent to saving a life. He explained that the purpose of the gathering was to commemorate the Tree for Life initiative and encourage community involvement in environmental conservation. He also announced that individuals interested in obtaining seedlings can apply through the District Assembly to the Forestry Commission for planting, making it easier for residents to participate in the initiative.
The highlight of the event was the tree planting ceremony, which saw the D.C.E, MP’s representative, District Coordinating Director (DCD), Presiding Member, few Assembly members, and other heads of department and units get their hands dirty. This symbolic act demonstrated the district’s commitment to the Tree for Life initiative and served as a call to action for the community.
In her closing remarks, the D.C.E thanked everyone for their participation and enthusiasm, emphasizing that collective action is key to achieving a greener and more sustainable future. The event concluded with a closing prayer by the N.C.C.E Director.
As the South Tongu District Assembly continues to champion the Tree for Life initiative, it’s clear that this project has the potential to make a lasting impact on the environment and the community. By working together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
