Upper West Region Targets Over 50,000 Trees Planting in 2026 in Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration

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The Upper West Regional Office of the Forestry Commission has announced an ambitious plan to plant over 50,000 trees across the region this year as part of the government's Tree for Life Initiative. This strategic effort aims to combat climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

In an interview with Info Radio, Regional Manager Kwame Oteng Awuah outlined the three primary models guiding the initiative: amenity planting, trees on farms, and forest restoration. The amenity planting model encourages community participation by providing tree seedlings for planting in public spaces such as schools, parks, places of worship, and community centers. These plantings are intended to offer shade, enhance aesthetic appeal, and supply fruits to local residents.

Farmers in the region will benefit from the trees-on-farms model, which offers free seedlings to support sustainable agriculture and improve farm productivity. Additionally, the Forestry Commission will undertake forest restoration projects within degraded sections of existing forest reserves, planting species that include timber, windbreak, and fire-resistant trees to re-establish vital forest cover.

Kwame Oteng Awuah emphasized that the Tree for Life Initiative builds upon the successes of the previous Green Ghana project, both of which aim to increase tree cover, mitigate climate change impacts, restore biodiversity, and foster a culture of tree planting among young people. He also noted that past efforts have recorded a tree survival rate of approximately 65 to 70 percent, demonstrating the resilience of the initiatives and the potential for significant ecological benefits.

This concerted effort underscores the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience, harnessing community involvement and strategic planting to secure a greener, healthier future for the Upper West Region.