The Role of Youth in Environmental Stewardship and National Development
Patriotism among the youth plays a crucial role in the overall development of a nation. It fosters unity, civic responsibility, and a commitment to progress. In many countries, including Ghana, young people are being encouraged to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and the environment.
Environmental Challenges in Ghana
Ghana is facing significant environmental challenges, particularly in the northern regions, where approximately 35 percent of land is at risk of desertification. This issue is driven by factors such as deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, overgrazing, wildfires, and climate change. These challenges not only degrade the land but also threaten food security, water access, and livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
To address these issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana has been leading national efforts to combat land degradation. These efforts align with international obligations such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Ghana’s National Action Programme to Combat Drought and Desertification (2002–2027).
According to the UNCCD, around one million square kilometers of protected land are degraded annually, affecting 1.3 billion people globally. About 1.84 billion people live in drought-affected regions, with 1.4 percent exposed to severe or extreme conditions. Land degradation now impacts over three billion people, with 40 percent of the world’s land degraded. Since 2000, drought frequency has increased by 29 percent.
The ‘One Child, One Tree’ Initiative
In response to these alarming trends, the EPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), launched the ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative during the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought celebration in Tamale.
Themed “Restore the land, unlock the opportunities and nation—One Child, One Tree,” the initiative aims to instil a culture of environmental stewardship in Ghanaian youth. It encourages each child to plant and care for a tree, fostering a personal connection to the environment and cultivating lifelong ecological responsibility.
By involving children in tree-planting, the campaign seeks to build a generation that values sustainability and understands the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
Restoring Land and Nurturing Patriotism
The symbolic act of planting a tree becomes a form of national service. It teaches children about biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem protection while instilling a sense of ownership over Ghana’s natural resources.
Trees play a critical role in restoring degraded land. They prevent soil erosion, improve water retention, support biodiversity, and absorb carbon dioxide. A single tree can sequester up to 48 pounds of CO₂ annually. Planting native species—such as oak or baobab, depending on the region—ensures ecological compatibility and resilience.
In Tamale, the campaign extended to schools at all levels, encouraging students to plant trees on campus or at home. This hands-on engagement allows young people to see the tangible results of their actions, reinforcing the value of environmental care as a patriotic responsibility.
Institutional Support and Long-Term Impact
To ensure sustainability, the EPA and its partners advocate for integrating tree-planting into school curricula through agricultural or environmental science classes and designating annual ‘Tree Days’ for planting and maintenance. Schools can track tree growth to promote accountability and long-term commitment.
The EPA is also working with the Forestry Commission, local governments, and NGOs to provide tree seedlings, tools, and training. These collaborations help ensure that efforts are systematic and effective.
Speaking at the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Tamale, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, stated: “The initiative seeks to empower every child in Ghana to plant and nurture a tree as a means of instilling a culture of environmental stewardship from a young age to contribute to national reforestation and climate resilience efforts.”
He highlighted the devastating effects of desertification in Ghana, citing human activities such as deforestation, illegal mining, and bush burning. “It is also a call from the land, from the dry and cracked soils in the Savannah to the struggling farmlands and the devastated Galamsey sites affecting water bodies and food security,” he said.
The Broader Restoration Agenda
Felix Addo-Okyireh, Director/Head of Climate Change and Ozone at the EPA, emphasized the urgency of restoration efforts. “It is estimated that over 35 percent of our lands have been affected due to desertification, unsustainable land use, and the impact of climate change. These issues threaten not only our ecosystems but also the livelihood of millions of Ghanaians, especially in the northern regions.”
He noted that illegal mining alone has devastated over 170 square kilometers of land, polluting vital water bodies and threatening biodiversity, agriculture, and public health. The EPA is leading several land restoration initiatives, starting from the Northern Ghana Environment and Sustainable Land Revolution in the Upper West Region. Communities are being encouraged to adopt sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry, composting, and water harvesting.
Mr. Addo-Okyireh also acknowledged the pivotal role of women in leading resilience efforts. “Women are at the forefront, driving innovation and resilience in the face of the climate crisis with the piper reclamation projects in mining communities, supported by the World Bank,” he said.
These projects focus on soil rehabilitation, reforestation, and the restoration of polluted water bodies. Through such efforts, the EPA aims to revitalise ecosystems, strengthen food and water security, create green jobs, and support climate action.
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Legislation
Under the new Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124), the EPA is expanding its presence at the district level to enhance enforcement, increase public awareness, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. “The revitalising of the ecosystem, strengthening food and water security, creating green jobs, and supporting climate action have been the priorities of management in building the nation for a better future, as well as unlocking opportunities for youth, women, and marginalised groups,” Mr. Addo-Okyireh said.
He cited several national projects advancing these goals, including the Ghana Landscape Restoration Small-Scale Mining Project, the Sustainable Land and Water Management Project, and the Adaptation Fund Project.
These programmes focus on tree planting, sustainable land use, and empowering affected communities with the resources to drive environmental recovery. “When we restore the land, we unlock pathways to economic growth, job creation, and resilience against climate change. Every habitat restored is a step toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all,” he stated. “When we restore it, we restore dignity, opportunity, and hope—hence our commitment to leading Ghana’s support against desertification,” he added.
He called on all sectors—government, private industry, civil society, and individuals—to support the mission. “Together, we can restore the land and unlock a future of abundance and resilience for all,” he also said.
A Call to Action
The ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative encapsulates a simple yet transformative idea: each child planting one tree is a step toward a greener, stronger Ghana. As children grow alongside their trees, they develop values of care, resilience, and pride in contributing to their nation’s well-being. By aligning personal action with national and global environmental goals, the initiative reinforces that patriotism is not only shown in symbols and celebrations but also in the everyday choices that preserve the land for future generations.
