In a spirited move to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens, the Forestry Commission (FC), through the Tree for Life (T4L) Reforestation Initiative, has embarked on a sensitisation campaign across eight basic schools in the Okaikwei North Municipality. As part of its objectives, the initiative, aims to instill into the youth, a culture of tree planting and environmental stewardship.

To implement the three-day exercise, a dedicated team from the Forest Services Division (FSD) led by Madam Grace Barnes, District Manager, Plantations Department and Mrs. Winifred Ohene-Wiafe, Assistant Regional Manager, Greater Accra Regional Office, visited selected schools with one mission: to stir hearts and minds about the irreplaceable value of trees.

The outreach took off at Dan Boi Basic School, with the Tesano Basic 1 and 2 Schools joining in. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Madam Fati Abudu, Headmistress of Dan Boi Basic School, in an assembly of Form Two pupils from all three schools. In her opening remark, Madam Grace Barnes, emphasised that the team’s presence was to ignite awareness about the importance of forests, the significance of trees in our everyday lives, and to encourage the pupils to adopt the responsibility of nurturing trees.

A renowned Chartered Architect, Arc. Foster Osae-Akonnor, delivered a heartfelt message, urging the pupils to become patriots of the green cause. “Own, love and protect the trees,” he charged, inviting the students to volunteer as “tree ambassadors”.

Mrs. Winifred Ohene-Wiafe gave an engaging presentation on the vital role trees play in maintaining ecological balance. Through an interactive discussion, she led pupils to reflect on the causes of deforestation and the pollution of water bodies, while explaining key environmental components such as air, water, and biodiversity. “Trees,” she noted passionately, “are the lungs of the earth”. She explained that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere which is essential for human survival, quoting the famous adage that if the last tree dies, the last man also dies.

The educational session culminated in a hands-on tree planting exercise. Under the guidance of Madam Dorcas Asiamah, District Manager, Greater Accra Regional Office, about 20 tree seedlings, including veitchia palms, mangoes, and Bouhinia were planted on the school grounds. In addition, 50 more seedlings of coconut, orange, cashew, and moringa were distributed to teachers who are interested in planting in their homes and communities.

To ensure sustenance of the seedlings planted, the team donated gardening tools such as watering cans, cutlasses, head pans, and spades to the participating schools. This gesture was met with gratitude and renewed commitment. Mr. Anthony Fosu, Headteacher of Tesano Basic 2 School, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Forestry Commission. “We are honoured to be part of this initiative,” he said, pledging to care for the trees and hoped to be included in future exercises, and proposed periodic monitoring by FC, to help keep the promise alive.

The second day of the exercise was equally impactful, with the team from FC addressing a gathering of Form Two pupils from the Shiayennoh, Apenkwa 1 and Apenkwa 2 Basic Schools, coordinated by Madam Vida Boateng, Headmistress of Apenkwa Basic 1 School.

Similarly, the pupils were taken through a brief presentation, demonstrative planting techniques, a planting exercise, free seedling distribution to the teachers and a donation of gardening tools for maintenance.

The sensitisation tour ended at the Alogboshie 1 and 2 Basic Schools, where the team was given an enthusiastic reception from the of pupils and teachers alike. A welcome address was delivered by Madam Joyce Nana Simmons, Headmistress of Alogboshie 2 Basic School, expressing gratitude for the School’s inclusion in the initiative.

Unlike the other two sessions, Madam Asiamah delivered a presentation on the significance of trees, combined with a practical demonstration on appropriate planting techniques. Guided by the FC team, the pupils assisted in planting a number of tree seedlings within the School’s premises and also received gardening tools to be used for the upkeep of the trees.

Pupils and teachers from all participating schools were left with a renewed appreciation for trees and a stronger commitment to safeguarding the environment. With roots planted both in the soil and in the hearts of these young learners, the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative continues to nurture a growing legacy of environmental consciousness, one school at a time