Prudential Life Insurance Ghana is spearheading efforts to rejuvenate Ghana’s vital wetlands through a significant mangrove restoration project in Obane, Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region.

Driven by its commitment to being “partners for every life and protectors for every future,” the company’s initiative aims to safeguard the fragile mangrove ecosystem and contribute to Ghana’s ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

The project forms a crucial part of Prudential Life’s sustainability agenda, focused on building resilient communities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change. It aligns directly with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).

In June, Prudential Life planted 5,300 mangrove seedlings in Obane, a designated UN Ramsar Site. This addition brings the total mangrove seedlings planted in the area to 7,300 over the last two years, and a nationwide total of 22,300 trees since 2022.

The restoration effort is being carried out in collaboration with the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), the Forestry Commission, Ada Senior High School, and dedicated members of the Obane community.

Gifty Owusu, Head of Sustainability at Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, emphasized the importance of timely intervention. “Practices like cutting down the mangroves for fuelwood and charcoal have led to the degradation of the essential ecosystem. Today, restoring these mangroves is both urgent and necessary,” she stated.

Ms. Owusu further explained the initiative as a proactive contribution to the government’s Green Ghana Campaign. “We deem it a great privilege to contribute to the national environmental efforts as part of the sustainability agenda being championed by the government,” she added.

While the Green Ghana Campaign has primarily focused on traditional tree crops, Prudential Life has rightly recognized the critical, yet often overlooked, role of mangroves in enhancing wetland and coastal resilience.

According to the Forestry Commission, Ghana’s existing mangrove cover spans 72.4 km², but a concerning 35% has been lost due to urbanization, overexploitation, wildfires, and the pervasive effects of climate change.

Ernest Apenkwa, Representative of the Forestry Commission and Manager of the Songor Ramsar Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighted the ecological and economic value of the project. “This swampy, ecologically significant area is home to mangroves, migratory birds, marine turtles, and other biodiversity. The red mangroves especially provide critical nursery grounds for fish and crabs, which support the community’s livelihood,” he explained.

The project’s timely execution will assist in restoring mangrove cover and bolstering natural defenses against flooding and erosion, thereby safeguarding both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities.

Community members have expressed their gratitude to Prudential Life and its partners, pledging their continued support in nurturing the young plants to maturity and increasing the mangrove stock in their area.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE