Ghana Marks UN@80 with Symbolic Tree Planting Across Eight Strategic Institutions in Accra

To mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Ghana today conducted a symbolic tree planting exercise at eight locations reflecting the UN’s areas of engagement in the country. Each site was selected for its thematic relevance to the UN’s work in Ghana. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented sustained partnership and multilateral cooperation. The National Peace Council reflected efforts in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) highlighted the role of education, research, and innovation. The Ministry of the Interior focused on human rights, public safety, and civil protection. The Ministry of Defence showcased Ghana’s contributions to security sector reform and peacekeeping. Parliament House symbolized democratic governance and the rule of law. The National Development Planning Commission embodied leadership and national development vision. The Ghana Journalists Association represented media freedom, public engagement, and democratic accountability.

Led by the United Nations Country Team, with participation from the Resident Coordinator, Heads of Agencies, UN staff and government officials, the initiative celebrated eight decades of global leadership in peace, human rights, and sustainable development. It also reaffirmed the UN’s enduring partnership with Ghana and a shared commitment to a greener, more resilient future.

The Forestry Commission, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, provided a mix of fruit and indigenous tree species and deployed technical staff to support planting activities at all sites.

The Director of Plantations at the Forestry Commission, Mrs. Valarie Fumey-Nasah, commended the UN for aligning the initiative with Ghana’s Green Agenda. She welcomed the decision to assign custodianship of the trees to participating institutions, describing it as a meaningful gesture of shared responsibility in environmental stewardship.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Country Team, representatives noted that the “8 Trees for 8 Decades” initiative reflects both the UN’s longstanding collaboration with Ghana and its commitment to supporting national development priorities.

Present for this exercise were the Deputy Minister of Defence, Honourable Brogya Genfi; Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi - Deputy Minister of the Interior; Prof Ebenezer Adaku, Deputy Rector, GIMPA; the Member of Parliament, Ho West, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah; Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu; and the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Albert Dwumfuor.

Planted simultaneously across all eight locations, the trees now stand as living symbols of peace, growth, and cooperation, honouring the UN’s contribution to Ghana’s development and the shared vision of a sustainable and inclusive future.