MTN Ghana has partnered with the Forestry Commission and Rainforest Alliance to support the restoration of degraded sections of the Chipa Forest Reserve, with emphasis on ensuring that newly planted trees survive and contribute to long-term ecosystem recovery.
The initiative targets approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees, as part of MTN Ghana’s environmental sustainability commitments under its “Doing for the Planet” pillar.
The exercise formed part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration under the theme, “Small Actions: Big Impact,” as well as activities marking its 30th anniversary.
Due to prevailing dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, while the remaining 833 are scheduled to be planted when the rains begin.
The partners have also established a monitoring and maintenance plan to ensure that the seedlings are properly nurtured and protected after planting.
Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, stressed that successful forest restoration required more than putting seedlings into the ground, saying the trees needed regular monitoring, watering where necessary and protection to ensure their survival.
He said the initiative was expected to contribute not only to the restoration of degraded forest areas but also to the protection of biodiversity by providing habitats for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife.
Mr Jengri said MTN Ghana had committed to making tree planting a regular feature of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care employee volunteering programme.
Under the arrangement, MTN employee volunteers would revisit planting sites to monitor progress, replace trees where necessary and undertake additional planting activities.
Tackling forest degradation
District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, said the intervention was particularly significant because the Chipa Forest Reserve had suffered degradation over the years.
She said the reserve, which was gazetted in the 1960s, had been affected by illegal logging and unsustainable harvesting of firewood.
Ms Ansah welcomed MTN Ghana’s support and commended the company for making environmental sustainability part of its anniversary activities.
Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, said restoring forests was essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems and helping communities respond to climate change.
She noted that trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and help conserve water while reducing erosion.
According to her, trees also provide habitats for various species and play an important role in helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
She said the exercise reflected the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.
The involvement of MTN employees, Forestry Commission officials and Rainforest Alliance representatives, she added, demonstrated the importance of partnerships in protecting and restoring Ghana’s natural ecosystems.
The partners are expected to continue monitoring the restoration site to improve seedling survival and ensure that the intervention delivers lasting environmental benefits.
