The Eastern Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Mr. Cudjoe Adukpo, has emphasized the urgent need to restore degraded lands through tree planting as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Ghana Agenda.
Speaking at the launch of “NADMO’s Green site ” initiative aimed at planting various species of tree at reclamation sites in Abuakwa South Municipality, Mr. Adukpo noted that the initiative goes beyond planting trees, highlighting its role in restoring ecosystems, mitigating climate change, creating sustainable livelihoods, and building a greener and more resilient future for Ghanaians.
He lamented the massive loss of forest cover in the Eastern Region, particularly as a result of mining activities, stressing the need to heal the scars left on the landscape.
“Reclamation sites, especially those from mining, have left vast areas of land damaged and unable to support natural growth. We therefore have a responsibility to heal these scars on our landscape,” he said.
The reclamation initiative is being supervised by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey, and supported by a committee led by Mr. Adukpo, Colonel Larbi Mintah (Okyeman Oboadiesahene), Mr. Richard Akorli (Geophysicist), Dr. Owusu (Soil Scientist), and a representative from the Eastern Regional Forestry Commission.
Other prominent supporters Dasebre Boamah Darko II (Okyeman Adontenhene), Madam Evelyn Korang (Council of State Member), Kyebi Abontendom Hene, and Osabarima Okogyeaman (Kyebi Apapam Hene).
Mr. Adukpo called on Ghanaians to view the project as a shared responsibility, stressing that tree planting must not be a one-off event but a sustained effort.
He noted that NADMO, in collaboration with corporate bodies and security agencies, will ensure active community participation in reclamation projects.
He further stressed the need for stronger governance and effective enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure mining companies and illegal miners are held accountable for restoring degraded lands.
As part of the exercise, NADMO distributed oil palm and coconut seedlings to communities across reclamation areas to help establish plantations that provide both ecological and economic benefits.
Mr. Adukpo reiterated that the project is in line with President Mahama’s Reset Ghana Agenda, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and community involvement.
“By planting trees, we plant hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for Ghana and generations to come,” he said.
Evelyn Korang, Council of State Member pledged the support of the council to efforts to restore the ecosystem to mitigate consequences of mining on the lands.
Three licensed Miners -MG Emmanuel Mining Company Ltd, Betbille Enterprise, and Divine Nana Owusu Company were recognized with citations for reclaiming their mining site and signing up to NADMO’s greensite program.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
