Ghana Marks 2025 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Tamale
Tamale, Tuesday, 17th June 2025
The Honourable Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) today joined key stakeholders, development partners, school children, traditional authorities, and members of the public in Tamale to commemorate the 2025 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
This year’s event is celebrated under the global theme: “Restore the Lands; Unlock the Opportunities” and the local theme: “One Child, One Tree.” These themes highlight the importance of restoring degraded lands as a means of creating economic, environmental, and social opportunities, particularly for the younger generation.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to land restoration and climate resilience. He emphasized the vital role of children and youth as key agents of change in the fight against desertification and environmental degradation.
“By involving young people through initiatives like ‘One Child, One Tree’, we are not only restoring the land. We are nurturing a generation that will carry forward our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” the Minister stated.
As part of the celebration, hundreds of tree seedlings were planted by school children, local leaders, and other participants in selected communities across the Northern Region. The event also featured educational activities, exhibitions, and stakeholder dialogues aimed at raising awareness of land degradation, climate change, and water scarcity challenges.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed each year on 17th June, as designated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It serves as a global platform to raise public awareness and promote actions that improve land health, food security, and climate resilience.
MESTI remains committed to working in collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to promote sustainable land management and support Ghana’s broader environmental and climate goals.