Ecobank Ghana will plant 1,700 trees in Chipa Forest Reserve near Dodowa over the next two weeks, capping its expanded World Environment Day initiatives.
The project targets two acres of degraded land, reinforcing the bank’s 12-year partnership with Ghana’s Forestry Commission.
Executive Director Tara Squire, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized forests as “powerful tools for environmental restoration,” noting reforestation improves ecosystems, soil fertility, water retention, and climate regulation. “A single mature tree supplies daily oxygen for four people and absorbs 13 pounds of carbon annually,” he stated, adding that neutralizing emissions from 16,000 km of driving requires seven trees.
Ecobank’s 2024 sustainability push included three key events: commemorative planting at Kwabenya Community SHS (June 5), joining diplomatic corps at Achimota Forest (June 20), and sponsoring 2,800 trees across 27 schools/hospitals in five regions (June 27). Squire urged national action: “If Ghana’s 20.8 million adults each plant one tree yearly, we’d restore forests substantially.”
Beyond environmental efforts, the bank advances financial inclusion through digitized services like *770# emergency banking. Squire reiterated Ecobank’s commitment to reducing operational carbon footprints via sustainable procurement, building design, and energy efficiency.
