The Ahafo Region, on 5th June, 2025 joined the rest of the country to
commemorate the nationwide “Tree for Life” campaign, a government flagship initiative that is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and building resilience against the adverse impact of climate change.
The event, which took place at Ahantamo, a community near Akrodie, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, timber merchants, school children, members of the media and residents of the area in a unified effort to restore and preserve the region’s natural environment through tree planting.
Leading the exercise, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, planted a ceremonial tree amidst cheers and applause. She emphasized the lifepreserving value of trees. In her speech, she highlighted the critical role trees play in supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate and preserving ecosystems. She also used the opportunity to call on timber merchants and all stakeholders in the
forestry sector to adopt responsible and environmentally sensitive practices in their operations.
Hon. Gardiner bemoaned the practice of some unscrupulous persons who fell the trees illegally. She called for the security services as well as all citizens to serve as watchdogs against such miscreants so that the licensed and legally mandated individuals/organisations will pay their taxes to the state for development.
According to the Hon. Regional Minister, our forests are not just resources to be harvested, but they are living systems that support life. On her part, the Queen Mother of Goaso, Nana Afia Serwaa, in her remarks, fondly recalled a time in the past when the forest cover in the region was thick, providing not only shade and cool temperatures but also serving as natural windbreaks for communities. She appealed to the younger generation to embrace the culture of tree planting and environmental stewardship to restore what has been lost.
Adding his voice to the campaign, the Chief of Akrodie, Nana Darko Kuffour, stressed the importance of enforcing forestry laws. He called for increased security presence in forest reserves to deter illegal logging and lumbering activities that continue to threaten the region’s ecological balance.
The Ahafo Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, also addressed the gathering. He spoke on the broader significance of the day and underscored the Commission’s commitment to forest restoration efforts. He thanked all participants for supporting the campaign and encouraged them to nurture the trees planted so that they may thrive and serve future generations.
In a lively twist that added colour to the day’s activities, a brass band provided stirring music throughout the event. As the rhythms filled the air, the Regional Minister, Queen Mother, and other dignitaries joyfully took to the dance floor, sharing in the festive spirit and community celebration.
The event ended with school children, community members, officials and
traditional leaders participating in the tree planting exercise, each taking a step toward a greener and a more climate resilient and environmentally sustainable Ahafo Region.