Sunyani: Ecobank Ghana’s Sunyani Branch recently took a significant step in supporting the nation’s environmental sustainability efforts by planting various tree species at the premises of several schools within the Sunyani Municipality. This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Tree4Life Reforestation’ Initiative, which was inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama to rejuvenate the country’s forests that are vital for providing essential resources to many Ghanaians.
According to Ghana News Agency, the schools that benefited from this initiative include Abesim St James Seminary Senior High School and K NAS Basic School Complex in the Dr Berko area of Sunyani. Mr. Mohammed Awudu, the Sunyani Branch Manager of Ecobank Ghana, expressed the bank’s dedication to contributing to the restoration of the nation’s forest and vegetative cover. He highlighted that the bank is partnering with the Forestry Commission to plant over 2,500 trees across various towns, cities, and communities in five regions, involving 20 institutions such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
Some of the targeted locations for this tree planting initiative include Tema, Sakumono, Dodowa, Adenta, Madina, Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, Esiama, Tarkwa, Takoradi, and Kasoa. Mr. Awudu emphasized that the ‘Ecobank Tree Planting’ exercise is a core activity planned for 2025 and noted the bank’s acquisition of two hectares of degraded land to reforest the Chipa Forest Reserve near Dodowa in the Tema Forest District.
Mr. Awudu further explained the environmental benefits of trees, such as absorbing carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gases, releasing oxygen, improving air quality, regulating temperatures, and providing habitats for wildlife. He also mentioned that between 2012 and 2018, Ecobank undertook various environmental protection activities, including tree planting, waste bin donations, cleanup exercises, and public sensitization on environmental matters.
Mr. Gabriel Gyabaah, the Deputy Sunyani District Forestry Manager, also participated in the tree planting exercise. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to enhance weather conditions and the critical need to support the ‘Tree4Life Reforestation’ initiative. He urged everyone to plant and nurture trees to ensure the nation reaps the full benefits of such endeavors.