Tree planting is a common concept in most urban cities; Boakye’s hometown of Kumasi in south-western Ghana is no different. But the survival rate for trees planted in Kumasi is very low, because in most cases no-one waters or cares for the seedlings after planting. Livestock often graze on the seedlings and kill them. Land-use change is also a major challenge – often, soon after seedlings are planted in an area, a developer will clear the area for construction.
Boakye is the founder of the Eco Warriors Movement, which works to create Eco Clubs in schools. Club members are educated about tree planting, and then become ambassadors for the cause. The Eco Warriors plant trees on school farms, customary lands and abandoned, degraded areas like landfill sites – after consultation with local stakeholders to ensure the trees will have a chance to grow.
The club members prioritize planting indigenous, threatened tree species. Their aim is to create arboretums in high schools and communities, where students and community members can see and appreciate these tree species, and also contribute to mitigating climate change.
Every tree planted is entrusted to one club member, who builds a bamboo fence around it and wa
