The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey, had admonished the people of the Western Region to come out in their numbers to plant on June 7, which has been declared Green Ghana Day (GGD) 2024.
He reiterated that on GGD, 10 million seedlings would be planted across the nation simultaneously. It comprises fruit, ornamental, timber, and multi-purpose tree seedlings, which would be available at all regional and district offices of the Forest Services Division (FSD) offices. The seedlings he said, are more than enough for everyone living in the Western Region to plant.
On Friday, Mr. John Allotey made these known when he called on the Western Region Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah to thank him for his support in the past three editions of the GGD and to officially inform him that the 2024 GGD is slated for June 7.
He admonished the public to take photos of trees they planted in the last three editions and post them on their social media pages to win public support for GGD. Trees he said, improve the aesthetic values of communities in the country and help in climate change mitigation.
Touching on the importance of the youth in the execution of the GGD, he mentioned that the GGD aimed to inculcate in the youth, the need to plant, nurture and protect trees. This informed the birth of the “One Student, One Tree” program as part of the GGD activities. The 2024 edition will be held on June 3, at the Abuakwa State College.

Hon. Okyere-Darko on his part mentioned that seedlings supply to the Region should be adjusted upwards this year as the Region had been very active and supportive in GGD activities. He pledged the Region’s unflinching support for the Program.
The Minister requested that the carbon offset project to be undertaken by Tullow and the Forestry Commission be extended to the Region because of the numerous benefits it has to offer.

Mr. Allotey advised that trees should not be planted close to walls or places that would not be available in the future as the trees may be cut down shortly.
The Chief Executive was accompanied by the Hon. Martha Kwayie Manu, Deputy Chief Executive; Dr. Richard Gyimah, Director, Stakeholder & Ecotourism, Wildlife Division; Mr. Mike Pentsil, Regional Manager of the Forest Services Division (FSD), and Mrs. Joyce Ofori Kwafo, Manager, Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Unit.

Meeting With FSD Staff

The Chief Executive met with the staff of the FSD and admonished them to ensure seedlings will be available for planting on GGD. He also mentioned that 200,000 seedlings would be planted in the Region on the Day so planting places should be prepared ahead of the GGD.
He advised that seedling pick-up points should be publicized well enough to help the public to easily collect their seedlings. And the local media stations should also be highly involved in creating awareness about GGD. Local communities he said, should not be left out as they play a key role in the GGD.
He encouraged the staff to send in the figures for planted seedlings early enough and ensure accurate figures are sent to help in tracking seedlings supplied and planted.

Meeting With TIDD Staff

The Chief Executive and his entourage further visited the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) and interacted with staff. He encouraged them to prepare adequately for the Green Ghana Day which is slated for June 7.
The Chief Executive and his team were informed that clearing, pegging, and holing have been done, pending the Day for planting. The Division is set to plant 5,000 tree seedlings of various species.
Mr. Allotey encouraged the Division to expedite action on preparations for the GGD.