Cement manufacturer, Ghacem Ltd, has supported the government’s reforestation initiative, Tree for Life, with GH¢1million.

The company said the donation came from GH¢1 for every bag of eco-friendly cement, Ghacem Eco Cool, sold up to one million bags.

The Managing Director of Ghacem, Dr Frank Huber, who announced the donation during a presentation at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, highlighted the company’s dedication to green initiatives.

“We are, therefore, happy to announce that for every Eco Cool bag sold, GH¢1 will go directly to the ‘Tree for Life’ project, up to one million bags.

However, we are not waiting for sales, but we are here to provide the funds upfront so the tree planting can begin immediately,” he said.

“Our new cement product, the ‘Ghacem Eco Cool, Ghana’s first eco-friendly cement, symbolises this commitment,” he added.

He said the product was designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions while maintaining the highest construction standards, making it the most sustainable product in the company’s portfolio.

Dr Huber expressed the belief that its sustainability drive augmented the afforestation novelty by the government.

Ghacem, he reaffirmed, believed that industry must play a vital role in mitigating climate impact while promoting greener practices, and the partnership with the Ministry was part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy aimed at reducing carbon footprints and contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s environmental future.

Dr Huber was accompanied by the Commercial Director of Ghacem, Kwasi Kyere, and the Lead, Marketing and PR of Ghacem, Mr Frank Antwi Agyapong, to make the presentation.

Appreciation

Receiving the cheque, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, applauded Ghacem’s gesture, noting, “We reached out to several organisations, and Ghacem is the first to respond in such a proactive and committed way.

This support places you in a different class of businesses in Ghana. Reforestation is critical for reversing the environmental degradation caused by activities such as construction, farming and illegal mining.

The government cannot do it alone, so we need private sector collaboration, and this partnership is a shining example.”

The deputy minister further indicated the ministry’s willingness to explore collaborations that encourage the use of eco-friendly construction materials in government projects, aligning public infrastructure development with environmental sustainability.

Also present to witness the donation ceremony were the acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Innocent Haligah; the CEO of Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, and the Technical Director, Forestry, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Joseph Osiakwan.

Context

President John Dramani Mahama launched the "Tree for Life" reforestation initiative in March this year, to restore seven million hectares of degraded land and plant 30 million trees nationwide.

The initiative is a key component of the government's broader efforts to combat environmental degradation, particularly the effects of illegal mining (galamsey), and promote sustainable land management.