Karpowership plants trees to bolster environmental sustainability

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Sekondi

Karpowership Ghana, a leading independent power producer, has launched a renewed tree-planting initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and restoring degraded lands across the country.

As part of the programme 3,000 tree seedlings are being planted, with 100 of them already established at the Sekondi Naval Base – home to one of the company’s floating power plants. The remaining seedlings are earmarked for rehabilitating degraded forest reserves and areas affected by illegal mining in the Western Region.

The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the Sekondi Naval Base and Forestry Commission, forming part of activities to mark this year’s World Environment Day commemorated under the theme ‘Restoring Degraded Landscapes‘.

The Day also served as an opportunity to raise public awareness – particularly among youths – about the vital role trees play in fighting climate change and preserving ecological balance.

Since 2021, Karpowership Ghana has planted more than 11,000 trees at the Achimota Forest Reserve in Accra and Subri Forest Reserve in Western Region. These efforts support government’s ‘Tree for Life’ initiative.

Speaking at the tree-planting event, Karpowership Ghana’s Communication Manager Ms. Sandra Amarquaye reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable development.

“This is not just about planting more trees; it’s about cultivating a lasting culture of environmental protection,” she said. “That is why we have embedded environmental stewardship into our social investment strategy, taking deliberate steps over the past three years to contribute to Ghana’s green recovery.”

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson also reiterated government’s support for the Tree for Life programme, pledging increased efforts to reclaim degraded forest lands.

“We will do everything within our power to restore and reclaim all degraded forest lands across the country,” he said. He also urged the Forestry Commission to ensure that newly planted trees are well-maintained to achieve a high survival rate.

Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, commended Karpowership Ghana for its continued support of the initiative. He noted that Naval Command is committed to maintaining a green and safe environment and assured that it will nurture the seedlings into mature trees which help protect the ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Executive Officer-Forestry Commission Elikem Kotoko acknowledged the widespread degradation caused by illegal mining but expressed optimism about the potential for restoration.

“Though many forest reserves have suffered from illegal mining activities, there is still hope – degraded lands can be reclaimed,” he noted. Mr. Kotoko called on stakeholders to support the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative and encouraged establishment of forest clubs and forest festivals, which he believes could also serve as tourist attractions.

He reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s commitment to advancing afforestation, reforestation and landscape restoration initiatives nationwide.

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