The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samual A bu Jinaor has initiated a tree-planting drive in his constituency dubbed the Green Damongo Project in line with the government’s Green Ghana project.
The project seeks to plant 32,000 trees.
Divided into three phases, the first phase of Green Damongo will involve planting approximately 2,670 trees along major roads in the town and at selected sites such as the old and new markets and the stretch from Military Junction to the hospital.
The second phase will extend over 66 km on each side of the road between Jojo Pe and Damongo, while the third phase will encompass each side of the road between Damongo and Sieyiri, totaling 83 km.
Tree species selected for the Green Damongo Project include the Savannah, Mahogany, and Cassia.
The MP underscored his dedication and unalloyed commitment to the greening of Ghana and building a resilient climate at the launch, which took place on Friday, June 14, 2024.
The trees that will be planted are expected to serve multiple purposes including beautifying the town and also contributing to the fight against climate change.
Other areas captured in the exercise include Military Junction to Hospital Road, Agric College junction to Kasha restaurant, Damongo bypass to Agric College, and Sawla Highway to RCC.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of traditional leaders and residents, Mr Jinapor charged the constituents to step up as custodians of the environment and embrace their collective responsibility of protecting the environment.
He indicated that the goal of the Green Damongo project is to raise awareness about the need for collective action to restore the degraded landscape in Damongo and instill the values of planting and nurturing trees, along with their associated benefits, in the youth.
“I stand before you today, in all humility and modesty, to say that, the Green Ghana Day initiative, has been wholeheartedly embraced by the entire citizenry and residents of Ghana. As Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, under whose stewardship this project was birthed, I have decided to bring the project home. The power of a great idea is amplified when it is shared with the place that holds your heart.”
“This morning, I am honoured to share with you a vision that is close to my heart and crucial for the future of our community, “the Green Damongo Project.” Ours is a constituency blessed with vibrant people, rich culture, and a promising future. However, to ensure our future remains bright, we must take concrete steps today to safeguard our environment. One such step is planting trees on the medians of our roads.
“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of optimism that I unite with you again to launch this significant initiative, in our beloved constituency. Today, we come together not just as natives and residents of Damongo, but as custodians of our environment, united by a shared responsibility to nurture and protect the natural environment that sustains us,” he said.
The ceremony, graced by several dignitaries including the Municipal Chief Executive for Damongo, Musah Karim Kusobari, the Deputy CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr Nyadia Sulemana Nelson culminated in the planting of commemorative trees to signify the initiative’s inauguration.
Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Mr Karim Musa paid special tribute to Samuel Jinapor for the initiative, describing it as a laudable gesture that will go a long to help reduce deforestation and land degradation in the area.
The municipality, he said, will form committees that will monitor and nurse the trees to ensure their survival.
