The Northern Region has been tasked to plant approximately 1.1 million trees under the government’s 2026 Tree for Life Initiative, with authorities calling on residents, institutions, and community groups to actively participate in the month-long environmental campaign.
The target was announced during the regional launch of the initiative in Tamale on Friday, where stakeholders emphasized that the success of the programme would depend not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their survival.
Speaking at the event, the Northern Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Kwasi Frimpong, said the region’s target forms part of a national goal to plant 30 million trees across the country by June 30, 2026.
According to him, free seedlings have been made available through the Forestry Commission’s Regional Office and designated distribution centres to encourage widespread participation by households, schools, businesses, religious organisations, and community groups.
“We are urging everyone to take part in this exercise because every tree planted contributes to protecting the environment and securing a better future for generations to come,” he said.
The regional launch featured a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the Mayor of Tamale, Mr. Abubakari Adam Takoro, on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, and President John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing participants, Mr. Takoro stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as a one-day event but a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. He noted that climate change, land degradation, and desertification continue to pose significant challenges in northern Ghana, making afforestation efforts increasingly important.
He urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, educational institutions, youth groups, and civil society organisations to support the initiative by integrating tree planting into their activities and ensuring that planted seedlings are nurtured to maturity.
The Mayor further highlighted the environmental benefits of trees, including their role in preventing soil erosion, improving air quality, conserving water resources, and supporting biodiversity.
The launch attracted officials from local government, traditional authorities, security agencies, and development partners, all of whom pledged support for the campaign.
The Tree for Life Initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, increase forest cover, and strengthen climate resilience across the country. Participants were encouraged to plant trees in homes, schools, farms, offices and public spaces throughout the campaign period.
Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson –ISD
