The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, officially launched the ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation initiative in Atebubu, marking a significant step toward environmental restoration and sustainable development in the region.
Hon. Owusu Antwi emphasized that the initiative goes beyond planting trees—it aims to restore degraded lands, enhance forest conservation, create sustainable livelihoods, and improve climate resilience. “Land degradation leads to erratic rainfall and severe droughts,” he noted. “Trees provide food, medicine, clean air, and fuel, making them vital for our survival.”
The initiative targets planting 775,530 seedlings across the region, with 400,000 allocated to individuals and institutions and the remainder designated for two forest reserves. The Minister called for strict enforcement of environmental laws to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate and biodiversity ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Mrs. Lucy Amu Ntim, Regional Manager of the Forest Services Division, highlighted the program’s broader objectives: rehabilitating deforested areas, raising awareness about tree conservation, restoring polluted water bodies, and creating green jobs in agroforestry, ecotourism, and apiculture.
Hon. Owusu Antwi appealed to traditional leaders to provide land and urged private sector players to support the initiative through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
The launch saw active participation from high-ranking officials, including District Chief Executives from Atebubu-Amantin, Sene East, Sene West, Pru East, and Pru West, as well as traditional leaders. Nana Kwabena Kyere III, Adontenhene of the Atebubu Traditional Area, chaired the event and joined dignitaries in planting commemorative seedlings.
The ‘Tree for Life’ initiative underscores the region’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development through community engagement and ecological restoration.
