The seedlings included ornamental trees such as royal palm trees, flamboyant, cassia as well as coconut, oil palm, teak, pear and mango.

The initiative, dubbed “Prudential Green Ghana Day Event”, formed part of the company’s effort to promote environmental sustainability and was meant tosupport the Green Ghana Day project.

The third edition of the Green Ghana project was held on June 9, 2023, to restore Ghana’s natural environment to reverse the heavy impact of deforestation and illegal mining.

Strong commitment

Handing over the tree seedlings at a ceremony in Kasoa in the Central Region last Monday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prudential Life Insurance, Dr Hazel Berrard Amuah, emphasised the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural surroundings.

“With a strong commitment to upholding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, Prudential Life is leading the charge in advocating for healthy environmental practices.

“It is time we instilled the best environmental preservation values in young children to ensure a sustainable future for Ghana,” he said.

The event attracted people from all walks of life, including pupils and students in the Gomoa East District, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Richard Gyan-Mensah, representatives of Prudential Life Insurance, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as students from the Wisconsin Environment and Development Society.

Reversing forest cover

The Chief Operations Officer of Prudential Life Insurance, Peter Edem Adjei, also highlighted the urgent need to protect Ghana's diminishing forest cover.

In his view, tree planting played a crucial role in maintaining the country's ecological balance.A lecturer at the Department of Development and Environmental Studies at the Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Kingsley Osei Domfeh, explained the vital role trees play in sustaining the planet.

“Trees not only purify the air we breathe but also regulate climate, prevent soil erosion and provide habitats for countless species.

“By planting trees, we contribute to climate change mitigation and secure a sustainable future for generations to come, effectively combatting the adverse effects of deforestation,” he said.

The Programmes Manager at Ecofrontiers International, a non-governmental organisation, Samuel Sakyi Addo, also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in environmental conservation.

That, he said, would help to protect Ghana's forests and mitigate climate change impacts across the country.