Kodie came alive on Thursday, June 5, 2025, as community leaders and residents gathered at the forecourt of the District Assembly to witness the official launch of the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative— a significant step in the government’s nationwide reforestation campaign aimed at restoring Ghana’s forest reserves and rehabilitating degraded landscapes.
The event was graced by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Patricia Pearl Ankrah, the District Coordinating Director, Mrs. Yvonne Naboo, and the Forestry Commission’s Human Resource Officer for the Offinso enclave, Mr. George Amoah. Also in attendance were Assembly Members, heads of departments, staff of the Assembly, and other dignitaries.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Yvonne Naboo emphasized the purpose of the initiative, which aligns with national efforts to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability. She called on the public to actively support the program by planting and nurturing trees, thereby contributing to land conservation and climate resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Patricia Ankrah expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of deforestation, largely driven by illegal mining (galamsey) and unsustainable land practices. “The environmental consequences are devastating,” she stated. “We must act now. When the last tree dies, the last man dies—because trees are the source of oxygen and vital to sustaining life.” She urged all Ghanaians to embrace tree planting as a patriotic and moral duty to heal the land and secure a healthier future.
Mr. George Amoah, speaking on behalf of the Forestry Commission, highlighted the indispensable role of trees in maintaining ecological balance. He declared June as a tree-planting month and urged citizens to take personal responsibility for caring for the trees they plant. “These trees are not just plants—they are our legacy for the next generation,” he said. Mr. Amoah also informed participants that individuals who were not supplied with seedlings at the event could visit any Forestry Commission office in the Ashanti Region for free tree seedlings.
To commemorate the launch, Hon. Patricia Ankrah, Mrs. Naboo, Mr. Amoah, and other dignitaries each planted a tree on the Assembly premises, symbolizing a shared commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future for Ghana.
