The Government of Ghana has called on the international diplomatic community for financial and technical support to help combat the devastating effects of illegal mining, which continues to threaten the country’s environment and natural resources.
Speaking at a commemorative tree-planting ceremony in Accra to launch the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Yusif Seimana, made a passionate appeal to members of the Diplomatic Corps to join Ghana in tackling what he described as a national environmental emergency.
“Our forests are depleted, our river bodies are polluted, and that is a call we must all respond to, so long as we live in this part of the world called Ghana,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.
The Tree for Life Initiative, which was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama in March 2025, is a nationwide effort to plant millions of trees across the country. It seeks to promote environmental sustainability, raise awareness about climate change, and restore Ghana’s degraded ecosystems and biodiversity.
Mr. Seimana reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience, expressing optimism that Ghana’s development partners would lend their support.
“Everything we plant today is a seed of life, hope, and legacy,” he stated. “Years from now, if you return and have nowhere else to visit, you can come back to that tree, talk to it, and see how it has grown.”
He also highlighted the presence of the Diplomatic Corps at the event, describing their attendance as “symbolic and a profound affirmation of our shared global commitment to safeguarding the environment.”
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that reforestation is not a one-off activity but a long-term responsibility that requires sustained effort. “We want to assure you that we will follow through to ensure that every tree planted today grows and contributes to our broader national reforestation agenda,” he added.
He expressed hope that the ceremony would mark the beginning of deeper collaboration between Ghana and the international community in the areas of climate resilience, sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Maher Kheir, pledged the support of the diplomatic community to Ghana’s reforestation efforts.
“Environmental challenges do not respect borders,” he said, noting that the Diplomatic Corps was proud to stand with Ghana in its fight to restore degraded landscapes and protect the environment for future generations.
