UDS to Champion Government’s Tree for Life Initiative - Vice Chancellor

UDS to Champion Government’s Tree for Life Initiative – Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Seidu Alhassan, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the government’s newly launched “Tree for Life” initiative, describing it as a continuation of UDS’s long-standing mission to train environmentally responsible graduates.

Speaking at the Northern Regional launch of the initiative held at the UDS Tamale Campus, Professor Alhassan stated that the university will “own” the initiative by integrating it into student field practical programs.

He said UDS will acquire seedlings from the Forestry Commission for distribution to students, who will plant and nurture them in rural communities as part of their academic duties.

This, he emphasized, will not only contribute to national reforestation efforts but also instill a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth.

Professor Alhassan commended the current administration for continuing efforts started under the Green Ghana Initiative by the previous government, noting that the Tree for Life initiative reflects a non-partisan commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Tree for Life initiative aims to reverse deforestation, restore Ghana’s depleted forest reserves, and strengthen the country’s climate resilience. It is spearheaded by the Forestry Commission and is expected to plant over 30 million trees nationwide. In the Northern Region alone, 1.1 million trees are targeted for planting.

The event, which brought together the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Alhaji Shani Ali Adolf, heads of security agencies, MMDCEs, and other stakeholders, saw dignitaries take turns planting trees to symbolically begin the campaign in the region.

Hon. Ali Adolf used the occasion to rally public support for the initiative, noting that the success of the campaign depends heavily on citizen participation. “Government alone cannot restore our forests. We all have a role to play,” he said. He also encouraged the public to protect existing trees and recognize their importance to human survival and environmental health.