MTN Ghana, Forestry Commission And Rainforest Alliance Join Forces To Restore The Chipa Forest Reserve

 MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and supporting the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.

The initiative fits into MTN's Doing for the Planet sustainability pillar, which focuses on environmental stewardship and climate action, and contributes to wider efforts to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations. The activity also forms part of the company's 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme "Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.

In partnership with the Forestry Commission and the Rainforest Alliance, MTN Ghana is supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees. Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.

The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.

Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change," she said.

She noted that the often-quoted reminder that "when the last tree dies, the last person dies" should not be seen as an abstract concept but highlights the importance of protecting and restoring Ghana's forests.

The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana's support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.

She commended MTN Ghana for incorporating environmental sustainability into its anniversary celebrations and noted that the Chipa Forest Reserve, which was gazetted in the 1960s, has over the years been affected by activities such as illegal logging and unsustainable firewood harvesting. She said the tree-planting exercise would support ongoing restoration efforts and contribute to the protection of the reserve.

The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. According to him, the value of tree planting goes beyond restoring degraded forests, as trees support biodiversity and provide habitats for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife.

He further stressed that successful restoration depends not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their survival through proper care and monitoring. "Planting trees today is only the beginning. We must ensure they are nurtured and protected so they can grow and deliver lasting benefits to communities and ecosystems," he added.

Recognising the importance of post-planting care, MTN Ghana and the Rainforest Alliance have put in place a monitoring and maintenance plan to support the growth of the trees. This includes regular assessments and watering where necessary until the rain resumes.

MTN Ghana has also committed to making tree planting a regular feature of its annual 21 Days of Y'ello Care employee volunteering programme. Through this initiative, employees will periodically revisit planting sites to monitor progress, replace trees where needed and undertake additional planting activities.

For 30 years, MTN Ghana has remained committed to creating shared value through initiatives that support communities and contribute to national development. Through partnerships such as this, the company continues to support efforts that protect natural resources, preserve biodiversity and promote a greener Ghana for all.