Fumbisi: AfriKids Ghana has marked a significant milestone in its Children Against Climate Change programme by planting and nurturing 5,000 trees across four districts in the Upper East and North East Regions over the past three years. This achievement was announced by the Country Director of AfriKids Ghana, Mr. David Pwalua, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Raymond Akolbire Ayinne, the Communication and Advocacy Manager, at a Tree Festival held in Fumbisi, Builsa South District.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was supported by funding from Gower Street, with technical assistance from the Organisation for Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability, Ghana (ORGIIS Ghana), and guidance from the Forestry Commission. The Tree Festival gathered pupils, teachers, officials from the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Education Service (GES), development partners, and community members.
Mr. Pwalua noted that the trees were planted in Binduri, Talensi, and Builsa South districts in the Upper East Region, as well as Mamprugu Moagduri District in the North East Region. He emphasized that the programme aims to restore degraded environments while instilling environmental responsibility among schoolchildren and their communities. He highlighted the significant impact of collective action and collaboration among schools, communities, and state institutions.
Mr. Felix Amoah, the Bolgatanga Municipal Manager of the Forestry Commission, praised AfriKids Ghana and participating schools for supporting the government's Tree for Life initiative. He stressed the importance of making tree planting a regular practice and underscored the role of trees in providing oxygen, regulating the climate, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity. Mr. Amoah assured continued support from the Forestry Commission in supplying seedlings, noting that over 200,000 seedlings were distributed this year, with plans to increase production to 300,000 in the next planting season.
Mr. Atuburoa Moses Asiawen, representing the Builsa South District Director of Education, acknowledged the positive impact of AfriKids Ghana's efforts on tree planting in schools. He noted the improved survival rates due to the focus on education and proper seedling care. Mr. Asiawen called for the distribution of seedlings to align with peak rainfall periods to enhance sustainability.
Mr. Julius Awaregya, Executive Director of ORGIIS Ghana, warned against activities such as indiscriminate tree felling, bush burning, and charcoal production, which contribute to climate change in northern Ghana. He encouraged schools and communities to protect existing trees and continue educating future generations on tree planting.
During the festival, awards including watering cans, wheelbarrows, pickaxes, and citations were presented to schools recognized for their achievements in tree planting and maintenance over the past two academic years. The award-winning schools included Tongo-Balungu Primary School and Winkogo Junior High School in the Talensi District, Gotesaliga Primary and Junior High School and Tansia Primary and Junior High School in the Binduri District, Zeng Primary School and Chansa Junior High School in the Builsa South District, and Prima D/A Basic School and Yagaba Girls Model Junior High School in the Mamprugu Moagduri District.