Ghana’s schools should play a central role in the country’s tree planting and environmental restoration efforts, with greater emphasis on fruit trees that can deliver both ecological and social benefits, according to a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Frank Ackah.
Speaking in an interview with The High Street Journal, Dr. Ackah said many school environments across the country have unused land that could be effectively used for tree planting, particularly fruit-bearing species that can support food security and environmental education.
He argued that planting trees in schools should go beyond ornamental or timber species, noting that fruit trees such as mango, avocado, and papaya can provide direct nutritional benefits to students while also contributing to broader environmental goals.
Dr. Ackah said integrating fruit trees into school compounds would help build a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age, as students would have a direct relationship with the trees they help to plant and maintain.
According to him, schools that lack dedicated land can still participate by planting trees within surrounding community spaces, provided there is clear ownership and protection mechanisms agreed with local residents.
He stressed that such arrangements would not only expand green cover but also strengthen community engagement in environmental protection, as both students and residents develop a shared responsibility for maintaining the trees.
Dr. Ackah further noted that urbanisation and the increasing dominance of concrete structures have reduced green spaces in many communities, making schools even more important as entry points for environmental restoration efforts.
He therefore called for a coordinated national approach that integrates tree planting into the education system, arguing that schools represent one of the most effective platforms for sustaining Ghana’s reforestation agenda over the long term.
