Ecobank Ghana has intensified its commitment to environmental sustainability with the adoption of two hectares of degraded land at the Chipa Forest Reserve in Dodowa, under the national Tree4Life Reforestation Initiative. In partnership with the Forestry Commission, the bank has begun planting 1,606 seedlings to restore the reserve, which has suffered extensive damage from illegal tree felling and land degradation.
A Longstanding Partnership with Forestry Commission
Speaking at the event, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, Head of Corporate Communications, representing Ecobank’s Regional Head of Consumer Banking, Mr Tara Squire, noted the bank’s ongoing partnership with the Forestry Commission since 2013 in commemorating World Environment Day.
This year, the bank broadened its efforts by sponsoring the planting of 2,800 trees at 27 schools and hospitals across five regions and participating in the national launch at Kwabenya Community SHS and the Diplomatic Corps planting exercise at Achimota Forest.
“By adopting degraded lands for restoration, we’re not just planting trees; we’re investing in cleaner air, climate resilience, and economic value for communities,” Dr Tee said. He noted that a mature tree supplies enough oxygen for four people daily and absorbs up to 13 pounds of carbon annually, making reforestation vital in fighting climate change.
Sustainability and Community Benefits
The project’s impact goes beyond restoring forest cover. Reforestation creates jobs, enhances landscapes for ecotourism, and contributes to local livelihoods. The Forestry Commission’s Tema Ada District Manager, Linda Ansah, explained that measures are in place to nurture the seedlings to maturity, including strategic planting distances, regular weeding, fire belt construction, watering during dry spells, and replacing unsuccessful seedlings.
Through the “Tunja system,” farmers are also invited to intercrop food crops alongside the new trees, keeping 100% of their yields and earning a 40% stake in the timber when harvested. “This ensures food security while giving farmers an incentive to protect the trees,” Ansah said, calling on more corporate bodies to emulate Ecobank’s commitment.
A Broader Push for a Greener Ghana
Ecobank’s efforts form part of its broader sustainability agenda, which includes reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and promoting financial inclusion through digitization. Dr Tee urged all Ghanaians to make tree planting a personal responsibility: “If every adult plants at least one tree a year, Ghana could add over 20 million trees annually, helping restore our fast-degrading forests.”
The event concluded with a hands-on planting demonstration, with Ecobank staff and Forestry Commission officials jointly planting the first batch of seedlings, symbolizing a renewed partnership for a greener and more resilient Ghana.
