MD of Access Bank, Olumide Olatunji exchanging pleasantries with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, . Abu Jinapor after planting a commemorative tree at the University of Ghana.
As part of Access Bank’s environmental sustainability mandate in greening Africa, Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana, Olumide Olatunji on Friday, joined the President of Ghana, Minister for Lands and Natural resources, and other government agencies, to mark the third Green Ghana Day celebration at the University of Ghana, Legon. The commitment has seen the Bank sponsor the planting of over 21,000 seedlings across the country.
Speaking on the theme “Our Forest, Our Health”, the president of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo said the global crisis we face today requires our collective efforts to reverse the repercussions of the climatic conditions and help to preserve future generations. He noted that the sub region is most vulnerable to the impact of Global warming although it contributes little to it and called on Ghanaians to plant trees and ensure the trees grow, adding that “the fate of our climate and future of our people depend on the actions we take today. Our collective efforts will ensure a positive, transformative, and sustainable Ghana.”
Also delivering an address at the event, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor lauded the president’s efforts at leading the charge for an aggressive afforestation programme, to restore the lost forest cover in Ghana. He said, “trees are crucial to the survival of humans as research had shown that one matured tree provides oxygen to ten people every year. The existence of trees is crucial to human survival and vital to our soci0-economic wellbeing. He explained that in addition to providing beautification and clean air, trees are the very source of life. ‘On this day we want to awaken the conscience of our people on the importance of trees and remind ourselves of the enormous benefits they serve humankind,” Mr. Jinapor said.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo noted with delight the efforts the government has channeled into afforestation. She noted that as an educational institution, the university has a stake in the growth of the country and will continue to create awareness and impart knowledge on the importance of trees to human life. “The Green Ghana initiative has set the tone for us to plant seedlings to address afforestation. We will continue to contribute to the worthy cause of mitigating the effects of climate change through imparting knowledge.”
Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana, Olumide Olatunji pledged the Bank’s continued support to this laudable initiative and said Access Bank will be a committed partner to the Green Ghana initiative. He planted a commemorative tree together with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Jinapor, Head of Risk Management at Access Bank Ghana, Mr. Kwadwo Adusei Addai and Head of Corporate Communications, Oluwaseun David-Akindele. Key Management members and staff of the bank also planted commemorative trees at the Bank’s Head Office in Osu and across its communities of operation.
Access Bank remains committed to growing a sustainable business brand that impacts the communities it operates in eighteen countries across the continents of Africa, Europe and Asia where it has presence. The Bank has over the years invested in community development with emphasis on environment, sports, enterprise and health. Through its digital first approach, the Bank has developed a deep understanding of customers’ needs, delivering excellent service and empowering them to achieve more through financial inclusion.
