The One Child One Tree initiative has been launched by the government

As part of activities to mark the 2025 World Environment Day, the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), is launching a new nationwide initiative dubbed “One Child, One Tree.”

The minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, said this during an interview with GTV .

He explained that the launch is scheduled to take place at the Atomic Cluster of Schools at Kwabenya, one of the E-blocks constructed under the first tenure of President John Dramani Mahama, who is also expected to attend the event.

According to the minister, the programme aims to engage school children across Ghana in planting and nurturing trees as a way to promote environmental sustainability.

He explained that children were chosen for this initiative because of their naturally competitive spirit, which would motivate them to protect and nurture the trees they plant.

“This initiative seeks to instill environmental consciousness in children so they grow appreciating tree planting as both a moral duty and a responsibility,” Dr Murtala Muhammed said.

Seedlings for the programme will be provided by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an agency under the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).

The minister also disclosed plans to introduce awards and incentives for children who are able to nurture and grow their trees under the guidance and supervision of their teachers.

The launch of the ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and restore forest cover.

AS/AE