MTN Ghana and Partners Undertake Tree Planting to Restore Chipa Forest Reserve

Accra: MTN Ghana, in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Rainforest Alliance, has undertaken a tree-planting exercise to restore degraded sections of the Chipa Forest Reserve. The initiative is part of MTN Ghana's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to protect Ghana's natural ecosystems for future generations. According to Ghana News Agency, the project was carried out under MTN Ghana's 'Doing for the Planet' sustainability pillar, which emphasizes environmental stewardship and climate action. This exercise also aligned with the company's 2026 Sustainability Month celebration, held under the theme: 'Small Actions: Big Impact,' and activities marking its 30th anniversary. Through this collaboration, MTN Ghana is contributing to the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest by planting 1,666 trees. Due to dry weather conditions, 833 trees were initially planted, with plans to plant the remaining 833 when the rains commence. The tree-planting event brought to gether MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission, and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. Ms. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems. She noted that trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity, and provide habitats while conserving water and reducing erosion. Ms. Fiagbenu pointed out that trees are vital in helping communities adapt to climate change impacts, reiterating the saying that 'when the last tree dies, the last person dies,' to stress the importance of protecting Ghana's forests. Ms. Linda Ansah, District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, expressed appreciation for MTN Ghana's support, describing it as a valuable contributio n to restoring degraded sections of the reserve. She mentioned that the Chipa Forest Reserve, gazetted in the 1960s, has suffered from illegal logging and unsustainable firewood harvesting over the years. Mr. Nicholas Jengri, Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, highlighted that tree planting not only restores degraded forests but also supports biodiversity and provides habitats for various wildlife. He emphasized that successful forest restoration requires more than planting trees; the seedlings need to be adequately nurtured, monitored, and protected to ensure their survival and long-term benefits to communities and ecosystems. Mr. Jengri mentioned that the partners have established a monitoring and maintenance plan, including regular assessments and watering where necessary. He stated that MTN Ghana has committed to making tree planting a regular feature of its annual 21 Days of Y'ello Care employee volunteering programme. Through this programme, employees will revisit planting sites to monitor p rogress, replace trees where necessary, and undertake additional planting activities.