Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Adenta, Accra | Friday, June 5, 2026
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on Ghanaians to take urgent and collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation, warning that the effects of climate change are already being felt across the country.
Speaking at the national launch of the 2026 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative and the commemoration of World Environment Day at the West Africa Senior High School (WASS) in Adenta, Accra, the Minister said environmental sustainability and economic prosperity must be pursued together to secure the future of the country.
The event was held under the themes “Forests and Economies” and “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
Hon. Buah noted that the global World Environment Day theme serves as a reminder that nature remains humanity’s greatest ally in tackling the climate crisis.
“Nature provides the solutions we need to mitigate climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, secure water resources, protect biodiversity and sustain livelihoods,” he stated.
According to him, forests are not merely environmental assets but vital economic resources that support national development, livelihoods and ecosystem services.
He emphasized that environmental protection and economic growth should not be viewed as competing priorities.
“Environmental protection and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development,” he stressed.
The Minister observed that Ghana is increasingly experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, coastal erosion, declining forest cover and the degradation of critical ecosystems.
“These impacts threaten food security, water resources, public health, livelihoods and economic growth. In fact, they threaten our very survival,” he said.
Hon. Buah pointed out that scientific evidence has conclusively established the reality of climate change, making immediate and sustainable action imperative.
He reiterated government’s commitment to environmental sustainability through policies and programmes aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, reducing emissions and building climate-resilient communities.
The Minister described the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative as one of government’s flagship environmental interventions.
Launched in 2025, the initiative seeks to mobilise all Ghanaians to restore degraded landscapes, increase national tree cover, combat desertification, protect watersheds and contribute to the country’s climate commitments.
He announced that more than 31 million trees were planted nationwide during the 2025 edition of the programme, exceeding the target of 30 million seedlings.
According to him, the achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of government institutions, traditional authorities, schools, religious organisations, civil society groups, communities, development partners and the private sector.
While commending stakeholders for the achievement, Hon. Buah cautioned that the success of the initiative should not be measured solely by the number of trees planted.
“The true measure of success is not the number of seedlings planted, but the number of trees that survive and mature,” he stated.
As a result, he disclosed that the 2026 edition of the Tree for Life Initiative would focus heavily on post-planting care, monitoring and maintenance to improve survival rates.
He urged individuals, schools, institutions and communities to take responsibility for every tree planted by ensuring proper watering, protection and regular monitoring.
Addressing students present at the event, the Minister encouraged them to become environmental ambassadors by planting trees, conserving water and energy, protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness in their schools and communities.
“The future of environmental sustainability rests largely in the hands of today’s youth,” he noted.
Hon. Buah also highlighted several ongoing government environmental initiatives, including marine and coastal conservation programmes, climate-smart interventions under Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, clean cooking solutions, waste management and climate adaptation measures.
He further disclosed that government’s planned ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam take-away packs, is progressing steadily following an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations.
According to him, public education campaigns on waste management, recycling and responsible consumption are also being intensified nationwide.
Calling for sustained environmental stewardship, the Minister urged Ghanaians to move beyond awareness and embrace practical action.
“Let us move beyond planting to nurturing. Let us move beyond short-term interventions to long-term sustainability,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, traditional authorities, religious institutions, civil society organisations, academic institutions, schools, private sector entities and local communities for supporting Ghana’s environmental and climate agenda.
Hon. Buah also commended the management, staff and students of the West Africa Senior High School for hosting the national event and demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability.
He concluded by officially launching the 2026 national tree-planting season and called on all citizens to contribute towards building a greener, more resilient and prosperous Ghana for future generations.
