The University of Cape Coast, UCC, will plant a total of 60,000 trees seedlings this year to mark its 60th anniversary celebration.

This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, when he led a tree planting exercise -Green UCC- which formed part of the Green Ghana Project.

The Green Ghana Project is aimed at speedily retrieving and revamping degraded lands and restore the country's lost green environment.

Last year, during the maiden exercise of the Project, more than 30,000 tree seedlings were planted across the University.

This year's exercise was on the theme "Mobilizing for a Greener Future."

The exercise had some high-profile personalities including the Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Provost of the College Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof  Moses Jojo Eghan as well as officials from the Forestry Commission and security agencies participating.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Boampong explained the initiative was in line with his vision of greening the University campus.

"The initiative will help us to populate the entire campus with seedlings," he added.

VC-UCC, Prof. Boampong (in nose mask) leading the Green UCC exercise.

He lauded the enthusiasm shown by staff and students to participate in the Green Ghana Project on campus.

He noted that the University would use the initiative to inculcate in both staff and students the habit of planting, nurturing and maintaining trees to serve as shades, relaxation centres and to beautify the environment.

Highlighting the relationship between trees and human existence, the Vice-Chancellor reminded Ghanaians the Green Ghana initiative was not only about planting the trees, but making sure the trees grow to achieve the expected results in the country.

 Some participants planting tree seedlings during the Green Ghana Project

To that end, Prof. Boampong promised to ensure that all the trees planted on campus would receive adequate care to ultimately protect the environment.  

The seedlings planted comprised of coconut, mullberry, orange, mango

soursop, ofram, mahogany and cedrela.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC