The Department of Community Development has launched its nationwide Green Community Development Initiative, beginning the Ashanti Regional phase with a ceremonial tree-planting exercise at the Asokwa Interchange and Dompase.
The programme, being implemented under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, seeks to plant one million trees across the country as part of efforts to build climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable communities.
The launch was done in collaboration with the Asokwa Municipal Assembly, where Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Amoh Kamel, pledged the Assembly’s full support to ensure the survival and proper maintenance of the newly planted trees.
He stressed the importance of strict monitoring and urged residents to take active responsibility in protecting the trees, describing community involvement as key to the success of the initiative.
According to officials, the national framework targets the planting of 70 trees in selected communities within each district across all 16 regions.
In the Ashanti Region, an initial 500 trees have been earmarked for planting, with expansion expected as additional seedlings become available.
Deputy National Director of the Department of Community Development, Mr. Samuel Blebu, explained that the initiative is designed to complement the Forestry Commission’s annual tree-planting programmes, while introducing a more sustained and continuous approach to afforestation.
He noted that unlike one-day planting exercises, the initiative will run throughout the year as part of a broader national climate action strategy.
Mr. Blebu said the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Department of Parks and Gardens, adding that beneficiary communities are expected to form oversight committees to ensure the daily care and protection of the trees.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute significantly to improving the country’s environmental sustainability and restoring degraded green spaces nationwide.
