The event, held at Bechem Technical Institute, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Tano South, Hon. Charles Asiedu; the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong; the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Abdul Rahman Salam; the Municipal Forestry Commission Manager, Mr. Newton Anorbil Atuahene; leaders of the Traditional Council; religious leaders; students and staff of Bechem Technical Institute; and members of the general public.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Newton Anorbil Atuahene, Municipal Forestry Commission Manager, launched the 2026 reforestation theme, “Forests and Economies,” emphasizing that the theme highlights Ghana’s economic dependence on its forests.

He underscored the importance of forests to the country’s economy, noting that more than 800,000 smallholder farmers rely on cocoa cultivated in forest zones. He added that timber from areas such as Wiawso and Bibiani, shea nuts from the Northern Region, and medicinal plants serve as important sources of income. According to him, forests also function as “water factories,” driving rainfall for farms in Amansie and Asante Akyem, protecting the Akosombo Dam, and providing natural flood control, as demonstrated by the Atewa Forest’s role in shielding Koforidua from flooding.

Mr. Atuahene warned against the dangers of deforestation, citing its adverse effects on water sources, public health, and the economy. He noted that Ghana lost 18,000 hectares of primary forest in 2022, with reserves such as Tinte shrinking due to over-exploitation. He explained that deforestation contributes to pollution, rising healthcare costs, and the loss of tourism revenue from destinations such as Kakum National Park and Mole National Park.

He announced that this year’s exercise aims to plant 30 million trees across institutions, schools, forest reserves, and water bodies, using a mix of ornamental, fruit, indigenous, and other tree species. “If we curb illegal mining in forest reserves and plant more trees, Ghana wins,” he concluded.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong reiterated the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that the exercise forms part of a broader initiative championed by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, to restore degraded landscapes and mitigate climate change through the planting of 30 million trees nationwide.

He stressed that tree planting should not be limited to special occasions but should become an everyday practice. He urged every individual to actively participate in tree-planting activities and champion the cause by creating awareness throughout the Tano South Municipality about the importance of environmental conservation.

Hon. Frimpong concluded his remarks by cautioning residents against activities that lead to the destruction of forests and lands, stressing the need to preserve these vital resources for future generations.

The Member of Parliament for Tano South, Hon. Charles Asiedu, expressed gratitude to participants for their commitment to environmental conservation and active involvement in the tree-planting exercise. He called for greater accountability in this year’s exercise, noting that although the Tree for Life initiative is held annually, there is often inadequate follow-up to determine which trees survive and which need replacement.

He urged stakeholders to monitor the seedlings and ensure that every tree planted within the municipality is nurtured to maturity and serves its intended purpose.

Touching on the fight against illegal mining, Hon. Asiedu stated that combating the menace is a collective responsibility and called on all citizens to help protect the country’s lands and water bodies. He cautioned landowners who release their lands for illegal mining activities, as well as traditional leaders who interfere with efforts to combat the practice, warning that legal action would be taken against offenders.

He further called on Ghanaians to adopt sustainable alternatives to help preserve the nation’s forests, encouraging the use of LPG for domestic cooking instead of charcoal, which remains a major driver of deforestation.

In a brief but impactful address, the Ankobeahene of the Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Addai Asubonteng, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for championing environmental conservation and supporting development initiatives in Tano South. He commended the Municipal Assembly and the Forestry Commission for their collaborative efforts in preserving the environment and reaffirmed the Traditional Council’s commitment to greening the area and tackling the threats posed by illegal mining, land degradation, and deforestation.

As custodian of the land, Nana Addai Asubonteng planted the first tree to officially commence the exercise and invited other participants to follow suit.