A critical component of the Tree for Life Initiative, he said was the government’s re­newed crackdown on illegal mining, empha­sising that no government appointee should engage in any form of mining, whether legal or illegal.

President Mahama said the initiative had several key objectives such as environmental protection, to create awareness about the importance of trees in protecting the environ­ment and combating climate change.

“It would also restore lands and rivers degraded by galamsey activities and ensure youth empowerment, by way of instilling in the Ghanaian youth a spirit and desire to protect the environment,” he added.

“Also it aims to encourage private sector participation in sustainable environmental policies and promote environmental edu­cation by involving schools, from the basic level to tertiary institutions, in tree-planting exercises,” he said.

He revealed that the government had suc­cessfully laid Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 before Parliament to commence the process for repealing it (LI 2462) which grants the President unilateral authority to approve min­ing activities in forest reserves.

“Once it matures in 21 days, the Presi­dent—and any future Ghanaian President— will no longer have the power to authorise mining in forest reserves,” he said stressing that it marked a major step towards perma­nent environmental protection and ending political interference in Ghana’s forests.

The President stressed that This year’s theme, “Forest and Food”, reminded us that forests are not just landscapes of trees, but vital sources of sustenance, economic pros­perity, and environmental stability.

President Mahama revealed staggering sta­tistics on forest loss both globally and locally, pointing out that between 1990 and 2020, the world lost 420 million hectares of forest, an area approximately 17 times the land size of Ghana.

Within Ghana itself, nearly 60 per cent of the country’s forest cover has been lost since 1950, he said noting that 44 out of the coun­try’s 288 forest reserves had been invaded by illegal miners, with nine of these reserves becoming no-go areas, where armed groups resist law enforcement efforts.

The President said one of the most alarming reports is the report from the Water Resources Commission that indicates that the turbidity level in the Southwestern Water Ba­sin is between 17,000 NTU, pointing out that the turbidity level of any water should be less than 5,000 NTU, “but if it’s at 12,000 NTU, then it means it is not water but something else.”

President Mahama urged traditional leaders to make available degraded lands for refor­estation, while calling on businesses and the corporate world to adopt responsible envi­ronmental policies and support afforestation as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.

The President also disclosed that the Min­istry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Services Division were in discussions with a Norwegian partner to undertake major investments in commercial forestry and the restoration of indigenous species in Ghana’s degraded forest reserves.

He issued a strong directive that any government official found violating the rule would face swift penalties, including removal from office.

He further revealed significant progress in the government’s fight against galamsey, including the reclamation of some forest reserves initially taken over by illegal miners.

“Seven of the nine no go areas that I talked about have been reclaimed. We are on course to reclaim the remaining two of the no go zones. Fifty-five excavators, three bulldozers, three pickups, four pump action rifles, and 11 motorbikes have been seized from galamsey operators.

“Seventy-one individuals who were caught engaging in illegal mining within forest re­serves have been arrested,” he added.

He also highlighted a significant milestone: By June 30, 2025, Ghana will export its first batch of FLEGT-licensed timber to the European Union (EU), making it the first African country and only the second in the world (after Indonesia) to achieve this.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Re­sources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said in the coming months, the government would launch a massive sensitisation campaign to educate Ghanaians about the importance of trees.

Mr Buah urged Ghanaians and the diplo­matic community to support the initiative, adding “The Forestry Commission and part­nering institutions will provide seedlings to all participants. The success of this initiative rest on the collective action of all…let us all rise to the challenge, plant trees, nurture them, and ensure that Ghana becomes a beacon of environmental resilience…together, we will make Ghana green, vibrant, and sustainable for future generations.”

He said his outfit would collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to create sustainable livelihoods through fish farming, pig farming, apiculture, and agro­forestry schemes to improve rural livelihoods and enhance food security.”

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, lauded the initiative and pledged the full cooperation of the Ashanti Region.