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On Friday, June 9, 2023, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, again displayed his unwavering support for the government’s reforestation program by participating in the annual tree planting ceremony for the third consecutive year. As the Chief Patron of the Green Ghana project, the Asantehene has consistently demonstrated his dedication to this critical and life-saving initiative. He reaffirmed his commitment by launching the project’s third edition in the Ashanti Region.
Accompanied by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Forestry, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Pyne, the mayor of Kumasi, and other notable individuals, the highly revered King planted the first tree of the 2023 edition at the Royal Golf Course in Kumasi.
Before planting his ceremonial tree for the third consecutive year, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, inspected the trees he had planted in 2021 and 2022 to ensure their healthy development. Impressed with their growth, the Asantehene expressed his delight and commended the government for initiating the project to restore Ghana’s forest cover, enhance its beauty, and create economic value by cultivating cash crops.
In a brief address after planting his tree, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged all Ghanaians to wholeheartedly support the project, emphasizing that everyone would enjoy its benefits. The Deputy Minister of Lands in charge of Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, praised His Majesty for his unwavering commitment and selflessness towards the Green Ghana project.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for accepting our invitation to lead Asanteman in tree planting as part of the Green Ghana Day activities. Your Royal Majesty, when we asked you to inaugurate the 2023 Edition of Green Ghana Day a few weeks ago, you graciously accepted despite your busy schedule. We are extremely grateful for your selflessness and dedication to safeguarding and sustainably managing our natural resources,” he stated.
Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio appealed to the general public and institutions to follow the example set by Otumfuo by actively participating in tree planting. Highlighting the target of 10 million trees for the 2023 edition, he mentioned that seedlings had been prepared at various designated locations and that the government would continue its vigorous efforts to restore the country’s forests.
“Your Royal Majesty, this year, the President of the Republic has set a national target of 10 million trees. We expect to plant at least 10 million trees today, and Asanteman has always risen to the challenge. This year will be no exception. The need to plant trees is evident to us, and we have no choice but to engage in an aggressive afforestation/reforestation campaign to restore our depleted vegetation and contribute to the global fight against climate change,” he asserted.
Hon. Owusu-Bio also urged the public to recognize that the tree planting exercise is not a one-day event but a process that requires nurturing the seedlings until they reach maturity. He stressed the importance of caring for the planted trees, as neglect often leads to lower survival rates. Therefore, the focus is now on nurturing the existing seedlings to ensure a higher chance of survival.
Speaking on the matter, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, highlighted the gradual reduction of available oxygen for humanity, emphasizing the need to plant more trees for survival.
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Source: Omanghana.com
