By Buertey Francis BORYOR
Ecobank Ghana has begun a nationwide tree planting campaign in five regions to help protect the environment and fight climate change. This is part of the bank’s efforts to mark World Environment Day and show its commitment to sustainability.
At a tree planting event held at the Light Academy in Adenta, Mr. Tara Squire, Executive Director and Regional Head of Consumer Banking for Ecobank Ghana and Anglophone West Africa, said the initiative fits into the bank’s larger plans to protect the environment, improve financial inclusion, and reduce its carbon footprint.
“Sustainability is not a side project for us. It is built into how we work, how we use energy, how we manage waste, and how we help others access financial services through digital platforms,” Mr. Squire said.
The event was part of a joint effort between the bank and the Forestry Commission to plant trees at 12 locations, including Tema, Madina, Kasoa, Takoradi, Kumasi, and Sunyani. A total of 2,500 trees will be planted across schools, churches, hospitals, and other public spaces.
Mr. Squire said that planting trees is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change- as they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
“Just one large tree can provide enough oxygen for four people in a single day, and that seven trees are needed to balance the carbon emissions from driving about 16,000 kilometres. With the nation dealing with more climate-related problems, including flooding and heat waves, the campaign is both timely and necessary. We believe that combining corporate leadership, school involvement, and support from government institutions can create a lasting culture of environmental care,” he said.
As part of this year’s activities, Ecobank also joined the national launch of World Environment Day at Kwabenya Community SHS on June 5 and took part in a tree planting event with diplomats at the Achimota Forest on June 20.
“We have also adopted two hectares of degraded land within the Chipa Forest Reserve near Dodowa for reforestation, with preparatory work expected to begin in the coming days,” the bank’s Regional Head of Consumer Banking noted.
Madam Dorcas Asiamah, District Manager at the Greater Accra Regional Forestry Office, praised Ecobank for supporting the national reforestation drive, known as the Tree for Life Initiative. The government aims to plant 30 million trees nationwide by the end of 2025.
She said the decision to involve schools in the project was wise, as it teaches young people the importance of caring for the environment. She also spoke about the many benefits of trees, such as cleaning the air, supporting wildlife, reducing heat, and even helping the economy by creating jobs.
Madam Asiamah used the opportunity to show participants how to plant and care for trees properly. She encouraged citizens to visit Forestry Commission nurseries for free seedlings and to join the nationwide campaign.
Mrs. Shirley-Ann Boateng, Headmistress of Light Academy, urged her students to take the exercise seriously. She said it should be seen as more than a one-time activity and hoped it would inspire them to take care of the environment in their daily lives.
“This is about building a future we all want to live in. We are handing over a responsibility to the younger generation,” she said.
Although World Environment Day was officially observed on June 5, Ecobank chose to stretch its activities throughout June to reach more people and make a bigger impact.
