The Haatso Area Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Achimota Senior High School, have planted more than 2,000 seedlings to populate trees in the Achimota Forest.
A massive tree planting exercise organised by PEMEM at the weekends (July 12, 2025), led by the Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor William Amponsah Asiamah, and his team, saw students from the Achimota School and the Forestry Commission joyfully planting various species of trees to improve the ecosystem of the forest.
The exercise formed part of the church’s Environmental Care Campaign and the government’s Tree for Life initiative which both focused on reforestation and environmental restoration.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Achimota School prior to the exercise, Pastor Amponsah Asiamah stated that the Bible in Genesis 2:9, emphasises the significance of trees and nature, as God created trees even before He created man, signifying their foundational role in His plan. He further indicated that God also entrusted humanity with the responsibility of stewardship, including caring for the environment (Genesis 2:15).
The Area PEMEM Leader called on Ghanaians, particularly Christians to be caretakers of creation, not exploiters, saying, ‘When we plant trees, we fulfill this divine mandate, demonstrating reverence for God’s handiwork and ensuring that future generations inherit a flourishing earth.’
He further stated: ‘Tree planting is more than an environmental initiative; it is a sacred duty. It is an act of worship, a declaration of faith, and a commitment to future generations. Every tree we plant is a testament to our belief in God’s provision and our responsibility as stewards of His creation.
‘Let us leave here today with a renewed determination to plant trees in our backyards, our churches, our schools, and our communities. Let us teach our children the value of caring for the Earth, not out of fear, but out of love for the Creator.’
The Head, National Monitoring Operations, Forestry Commission, Elder Dr Alexander Asum, on his part, said that planting trees is a nature based, affordable and sustainable solution to climate change.
Touching on some benefits of tree planting, Dr Asum said that trees reduce temperatures in their immediate surroundings through carbon sequestrations, release moisture into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration to cool the environment further and also serves as carbon sinks, and also contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing.
According to him, studies have shown that spending time at green spaces reduces stress and lowers blood pressure thereby improving overall happiness.
‘We are here today to plant and nature trees in order to invest in our health, economy and to build a resilient ecosystem that can mitigate climate change risks and secure our future,’ he concluded.
Pent News