With a resounding call to action from all stakeholders, especially Ghanaians, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, the revered Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, has declared June 7th 2024 as Green Ghana Day as he launched the commencement of preparations for the Day.
The grand launch event which was held at the Multipurpose Auditorium of the esteemed University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Northern Region on 16th April 2024, echoed the sentiments of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility from all.
In the keynote address, delivered by his representative, Naa Bapra Zangbalun Yakubu Mahama, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II emphasized the significance of the Green Ghana Day Project initiated by His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and Reflected on the commendable progress made since its inception in 2021, the Overlord expressed optimism about surpassing previous milestones.
“In the year 2021, 7 million trees were planted. In subsequent years more trees were planted. This year the target is to plant over 10 million tree seedlings,” Yaa Naa announced, underscoring the ambitious goals set for the forthcoming campaign.
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of afforestation, Yaa Naa stressed its pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in the northern regions where erratic rainfall patterns pose significant challenges to livelihoods.
He lauded the initiative's potential to enhance economic opportunities, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the threat of bushfires, thereby safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In a passionate plea, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II advocated for a concerted effort to promote the cultivation and protection of shea trees, a vital economic resource for the region's inhabitants. He urged the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Jinapor, to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding shea tree cultivation and safeguarding existing wild trees from annual bushfires.