Ghana: Sisters teach tree planting with ‘Growing for a Greener Tomorrow’ project
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR
The felling of trees for the burning of charcoal is commonplace in Ghana, a form of what is referred to in local parlance as ‘Galamsey’.
The issue of galamsey has been a much discussed topic, both by the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC), and the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSR-Gh), who have compiled a prayer against illegal mining and destruction of the environment, which is prayed in all religious communities in Ghana.
The problem of deforestation in the Afram Plains
The cutting down of trees causes several major environmental problems in Ghana, among which is climate change. The practice can lead to extreme temperatures and soil erosion, which causes soil degradation and nutrient depletion, exposing the earth to floods and landslides and making agriculture a challenge.
It can also lead to serious water crisis. Trees play a vital role in regulating the water cycle by absorbing rainfall, replenishing groundwater reserves, and regulating river flow. Indeed, the town of Donkorkrom is bounded by three main rivers: the Volta, the Afram and the Obosum, yet it still suffers water crises.
Contribution of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary
As a way of averting some of these conditions experienced in the Afram Plains, the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary have for several years planted trees and flowers on their school grounds. Even with their own limited resources, they have continued to prioritize the growing of these green plants, for the good of all.
Trusting in Divine Providence in the spirit of their Founder, Bishop Joseph Shanahan, CSSp, and inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, calling for the care of the Earth, our common home, the MSHR sisters in Ghana have held on to this apostolate of planting and nurturing saplings.
Every year, children from the institutes run by the sisters plant trees and are trained how to nurture the earth. Over the years, the plants have grown, and have added greatly to the grounds’ natural beauty. The trees are growing to provide shelter for the children during outdoor activities in humid Donkorkrom. They also create an enabling environment for learning, with the grass spreading to facilitate movements around the compound as well as eliminate mud in the rainy season, creating a suitable playground for the children.
Ghana’s position on tree planting
The 2024 Edition of Green Ghana Tree Planting exercise in the Afram Plains was launched in June by the Forestry Commission of Kwahu Afram Plains in partnership with stakeholders in the North and South Districts, at the Donkorkrom District Assembly Hall. This year’s edition goes under the theme: “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” an event at which two MSHR sisters were present.
The tree planting venture is a joint mission of both the State and the Church. The government views the Church and religious sisters as pace setters, noting that institutions run by them are well-managed. This has led the sisters take up the challenge to set the pace of planting trees for others to follow.
Maintaining school grounds amidst the reality of Afram Plains
It is estimated that as high as 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. Migration in search of food and income to overcome conditions of poverty tends to disrupt the development of the area, thereby affecting the smooth functioning of schools and other entities, both private and public.
Maintaining the school grounds in such an environment has therefore not been easy for the school management. The cost of maintenance is very high, and there is always the need to hire more employees.
The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (MSHR) have sought to successfully manage their schools in this challenging context.
According to the sisters, their missionary Charism is expressed in their readiness to be sent beyond the borders of their own countries and cultures, in order to share the Good News with anyone in need.
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