Accra: The Chief Executive Officer of Lakeside Estate Limited, Dr Prince-Joseph MK. Ayiku, has rallied stakeholders in the real estate sector to prioritize the greening of the environment. He emphasized that sustainable real estate development is key to building healthier and more resilient communities during a tree planting exercise in support of the Green Ghana Initiative. The event, held under the theme 'Planting Today, Protecting Tomorrow', brought together residents, staff, contractors, and environmental advocates to plant trees as a show of commitment to nature.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise was not just about placing seedlings in the soil but symbolized hope and responsibility. Dr Ayiku remarked, "While we build homes, it is trees that complete them. They cool our neighborhoods, purify the air, prevent erosion, support biodiversity, and enhance property value." He described tree planting as one of the simplest and most powerful responses to climate change and urged communities to take local action, quoting an African proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."
Dr Ayiku highlighted that Lakeside Estate's involvement in the exercise transcended corporate social responsibility. "It is a business imperative," he explained. "Modern clients want eco-friendly communities where nature thrives. Green developments uplift lives, attract investment, and increase long-term value." He reaffirmed the company's commitment to sustainability, stating, "We are not just developers - we are guardians of the environment. Our mission is to nurture, not deplete."
Ghana continues to lose large tracts of forest cover due to illegal mining, logging, and unsustainable farming, losing about 135,000 hectares of forest annually. In response, the government launched the Green Ghana Initiative in 2021 to restore degraded lands through mass tree planting. In 2025, the government renewed the national call with a target to plant 10 million trees. The exercise, held on June 7, marked the fifth edition of the initiative and focused on consolidating gains made in previous years. The Green Ghana Day was observed under the theme 'Growing for a Greener Tomorrow'.
Dr Ayiku noted that the initiative aligned with Lakeside Estate's values. As a four-time CIMG Company of the Year, the company is committed to setting a new standard in responsible development. "Let us grow not just homes, but habitats," he urged. "Let us build not just with bricks and concrete, but with the living spirit of nature." He expressed hope that the trees planted would serve as lasting symbols of resilience, peace, and a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
