Accra: Over 250 employees from Telecel Ghana, alongside students from Kordiabe R/C Basic School, contributed to planting 10,000 seedlings in the Chipa Tributary Forest Reserve, located in the Shai-Osudoku District of Greater Accra Region, in celebration of World Environment Day.
According to Ghana Web, this initiative, organized in collaboration with the Ghana Forestry Commission, elevates Telecel Ghana's total tree-planting efforts to 43,000 over the past five years, marking one of the most substantial corporate reforestation projects in the country. The reforestation aligns with the Government of Ghana's Tree for Life Campaign, which urges businesses and individuals to bolster the national reforestation agenda.
Telecel Ghana's Chief Executive, Ing Patricia Obo-Nai, led the team in planting the seedlings, emphasizing the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. Ing Obo-Nai stated that the initiative demonstrates a long-term dedication to restoring ecosystems and fostering a sustainable future for upcoming generations.
The Forestry Commission, which designated the Chipa Forest Reserve as the planting site, highlighted the significance of this collaboration to the national goal of planting 30 million trees. Linda Ansah, District Manager for Tema-Ada Forest District, expressed gratitude for Telecel's annual contribution of 10,000 trees, aiding in the restoration of degraded forest reserves and combating climate change.
The Chipa Forest Reserve, situated in the eastern part of Greater Accra, has been adversely impacted by human activities, including illegal logging and sand winning. The reforestation targeted these degraded areas, selecting Acacia and Cassia species for their ecological benefits and canopy coverage.
Students who participated in the event viewed it as an educational opportunity. Edmund Odei, a student from Kordiabe R/C Basic School, shared his belief in collective responsibility for environmental conservation, urging global participation in afforestation efforts.
Despite challenging wet conditions, Telecel Ghana's leadership and employees embraced the chance to contribute to climate action. Elsie Mensah, a Brand and Communications Manager, described the activity as a rewarding investment in the country's environmental future.
Telecel Ghana's environmental initiatives are part of its Sustainability agenda, which includes reducing the carbon footprint of its network infrastructure, expanding solar-powered exchanges, and investing in digital tools to minimize physical travel needs.
The 43,000 trees planted by Telecel Ghana to date make it the leading corporate contributor to Ghana's reforestation efforts. The company intends to continue its annual tree-planting efforts, with plans to increase its targets in the coming years.