Green Ghana Day is not Enough – Tamale North MP

While the intention behind government’s initiative under the Green Ghana project remain noble, we believe that the approach is inadequate, not transparent and falls short in making a significant impact on the environment.

This is because the campaign is not linked to the creation of natural reserves and the overall effective management and conservation of forest reserves.

It is worse that our forests and green spaces have been so compromised due to government’s unwillingness to defeat illegal mining and its reckless policies; such as the self-serving declassification of Forest Reserves and sale of same lands to private developers and cronies. Eg Achimota Forests and Tamale Timber Market and the promotion of legislation on mining in Forest Reserves. Eg EPA LI2462.

The last couple of years have proven that planting millions of seedlings only once a year, is not enough to combat deforestation and address the challenges of climate change.

It only creates the conditions for corrupt procurements; a scheme where seedlings supply contracts, printing paraphernalia are offered to cronies without competitive bidding, at inflated prices, thus, burdening the Forestry Commission with mounting debts.

According to the Seedlings Contractors Association in Ashanti Region last year, 2023, Government owed them GHC28million for 2021 and 2022 seedling supplies.

Furthermore, the lack of proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place to ensure the survival and growth of the planted seedlings raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Green Ghana Project.

Despite the fantastic figures of survival bandied about, without proper maintenance and care, many of these seedlings do not survive, leading to wasted resources and minimal environmental benefits.

The need for continuous reforestation efforts throughout the year is crucial in order to restore forest cover, improve air quality, and preserve biodiversity.

We therefore once again call on government to reevaluate its approach to the Green Ghana Project and consider implementing a more sustainable and long-term strategy for reforestation.

Continuous, consistent and transparent efforts throughout the year, along with proper monitoring and evaluation, are essential in order to achieve meaningful results in protecting the environment and combating climate change.

Deputy Ranking
Lands and Forestry Committee
Hon Alhassan S Suhuyini
MP, Tamale North

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