E/R:Abuakwa South Intensifies Fight Against Climate Change and Galamsey Through Tree Planting Initiative

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The Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly has joined the nationwide “Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative” aimed at combating climate change, restoring degraded lands, and promoting environmental sustainability.


The exercise, held on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at the Kyebi Technical Institute, brought together traditional authorities, security service commanders, assembly officials, opinion leaders, and students who participated in the planting of trees to support the government's reforestation agenda.

Chairing the event, the Kyebi Abontendomhene, Osabarima Marfo Okwabrané, commended the initiative and underscored the importance of collective action in protecting the environment. He noted that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to wreak havoc on water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves within the area, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and climate change.

He called on residents, particularly the youth, to embrace tree planting as a civic responsibility and actively support efforts aimed at restoring the municipality's natural ecosystem.


Speaking at the ceremony, the District Manager of the Forestry Service Division in Kyebi, Mr. Alfred Owusu Ameyaw, expressed concern over the continuous decline in Ghana’s forest cover due to human activities. He explained that deforestation remains a major contributor to climate change and emphasized the need for sustained reforestation efforts across the country.


According to him, the annual tree planting programme was introduced to replenish depleted forest reserves and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among citizens.


“Planting trees should not be regarded as a one-day exercise. It must become a regular practice to ensure a healthier environment and a sustainable future for generations yet unborn,” he stated.


On the sidelines of the event, the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa South, Hon. Addo Aikins Jnr, outlined a number of measures being implemented by the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) to curb illegal mining activities within the municipality.

He revealed that following engagements with fuel station operators, the sale of fuel in barrels and gallons for transportation to mining sites—particularly by tricycles—has been prohibited. He further announced plans to establish barriers and checkpoints at strategic locations to inspect earth-moving equipment entering the municipality and to clamp down on tipper trucks involved in illegal sand winning.


Hon. Addo Aikins Jnr stressed that the government remains committed to responsible and regulated mining practices rather than indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources.


“The government is not against mining; it is against irresponsible mining. We are determined to regularize mining activities and ensure that all stakeholders comply with the laws governing the sector,” he emphasized.


The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader climate action strategy, which seeks to plant 30 million trees annually to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen environmental resilience, and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare 

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