Ecobank Deepens Environmental Commitment with Nationwide Tree Planting Drive
Ecobank Ghana has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental sustainability with the launch of a nationwide tree-planting campaign, reinforcing its support for World Environment Day beyond the traditional June 5 observance.
The initiative, extended throughout June 2025, is part of a comprehensive programme to promote green consciousness and ecological resilience across five regions of Ghana.
At a symbolic planting ceremony held on June 27 at Light Academy in Adenta, the bank’s Executive Director and Regional Head of Consumer Banking for Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Tara Squire, emphasized that the initiative fits into Ecobank’s broader sustainability agenda.
“Sustainability is at the core of Ecobank’s vision. We are not only reducing our carbon footprint internally but are also investing in community-centered environmental and financial initiatives,” he said.
Targeting 12 Communities with 2,500 Trees
The campaign, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, will see 2,500 trees planted across 12 selected locations including Tema, Madina, Kumasi, Tamale, and Tarkwa. Over 20 schools, hospitals, and churches are set to benefit from the project, which also includes the adoption of two hectares of degraded land at the Chipa Forest Reserve near Dodowa for reforestation.
According to Mr. Squire, Ecobank’s in-house sustainability metrics span energy usage, paper reduction, and waste management. He noted that the bank’s push toward digitalization, which reduces paper use, also complements its green agenda.
“Beyond aesthetics, trees play a vital role in climate regulation. A single mature tree can provide enough oxygen for four people and offset significant amounts of carbon dioxide,” he said.
Forestry Commission Endorses Ecobank’s Efforts
Madam Dorcas Asiamah, District Manager of the Greater Accra Regional Forestry Office, commended Ecobank for complementing the government’s Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, which aims to plant 30 million trees nationwide in 2025.
“Ecobank’s decision to plant trees in schools is strategic—it builds a spirit of environmental responsibility among our youth,” she said.
She also outlined the ecological and economic benefits of trees, such as carbon storage, air and water purification, and job creation. Madam Asiamah used the opportunity to demonstrate proper planting and nurturing techniques and encouraged Ghanaians to access free seedlings from Forestry Commission nurseries.
Instilling Green Values in the Next Generation
Headmistress of Light Academy, Mrs. Shirley-Ann Boateng, lauded the partnership and called on students to embrace the cause.
“This isn’t just about trees, it’s a living lesson in responsibility and legacy. Our actions today will shape the environment our children inherit,” she noted.
Beyond One Day of Action
The campaign also featured Ecobank’s involvement in the national launch of World Environment Day at Kwabenya Community Senior High School (SHS) and a diplomatic tree-planting ceremony at the Achimota Forest on June 20.
Looking ahead, Ecobank aims to further strengthen its leadership in corporate environmental responsibility by aligning business operations with sustainable practices.
“As a bank and as citizens, we must all recognise that real change begins with small actions, like planting a tree,” Mr. Squire concluded.
