His Excellency John Dramani Mahama Launches “One Child, One Tree” Initiative on World Environment Day 2025

Accra, Thursday, 5th June 2025 – His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, officially launched the “One Child, One Tree” initiative in Accra today, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental sustainability efforts. The event took place at Kwabenya Senior High School and was graced by the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP), alongside several other dignitaries including Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, local government officials, environmental advocates, school children, and members of the general public.

The launch formed part of the national activities commemorating World Environment Day 2025, observed under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” and the national theme “Repurpose Plastic Use.” The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Education, aimed at fostering environmental consciousness among young Ghanaians by encouraging every child to plant and nurture a tree.

A Collective Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

In his address, President Mahama reflected on the critical environmental challenges facing Ghana and the world, particularly the growing crisis of plastic pollution and deforestation. He emphasized the urgency of decisive action to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ecosystems.

“Plastic pollution has become a serious threat, clogging our rivers, choking agricultural lands, and polluting our oceans,” the President noted. “But today, we recommit ourselves to a future where the environment is valued, protected, and restored through collective action.”

President Mahama highlighted the government’s efforts since his administration resumed office in December 2024, including the establishment of the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability and the enactment of the National Plastics Management Policy. He reiterated the goal of reducing plastic waste entering landfills by 60% by 2030 and praised communities that had already embraced recycling and waste management innovations.

The One Child, One Tree initiative was launched as a vital extension of the government’s Tree for Life Reforestation Programme, which aims to restore seven million hectares of degraded land and plant seven million trees. Through this initiative, every school-aged child in Ghana would receive a seedling, native to their ecological zone, and be guided to plant and care for it, thus embedding environmental responsibility within the education system.

Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Speaks on National Action

Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), delivered a compelling address that underscored the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and deforestation simultaneously.

“Our markets, beaches, and drains have been overwhelmed by single-use plastics, threatening biodiversity and public health. However, today’s launch marks a turning point,” he declared.

The Minister explained the ministry’s commitment to the National Plastics Management Policy and outlined the ACT framework:

• Awareness: Educating citizens on the dangers of plastic pollution
• Conscious Consumption: Promoting reduction, reuse, and repurposing of plastics
• Transformation: Encouraging innovation, recycling, and policy reform to build a circular plastic economy

He called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, local governments, and development partners, to intensify efforts toward sustainable waste management and environmental protection.

Nationwide Tree Planting Campaign Kicked Off

President Mahama also announced the commencement of a nationwide tree planting campaign running from 5th to 30th June 2025, with a target of planting 30 million trees across Ghana. This campaign sought active participation from all citizens to plant trees that would cool urban centers, stabilize riverbanks, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from thousands of schoolchildren, who received their seedlings and planting kits, along with educational materials to nurture their trees responsibly.

Sustaining Momentum for a Greener Ghana

In closing, both the President and the Minister stressed that environmental protection requires a sustained, nationwide effort and partnerships across sectors. They highlighted upcoming regional tree-planting festivals, community clean-up drives, and a Green Innovation Expo that would showcase local solutions to environmental challenges.

President Mahama reminded all Ghanaians that:

“The Earth is not inherited from our ancestors, it is borrowed from our children. The future is not something we enter by chance, it is something we create.”

The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Ghana’s environmental agenda and encouraged citizens to pledge:

“I will not litter; I will reduce my plastic use; I will plant and care for a tree.”