Forests are the backbone of livelihoods, ecosystems, and local economies. Every year on March 21, the International Day of Forests reminds us of the vital role trees play from restoring soils and protecting biodiversity to supporting agriculture and rural communities.

In celebration of this year’s theme, “Forests and Economies,” students at Gbimsi MA JHS in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region of Ghana took action on Friday, March 27th, 2026. Armed with watering cans and planting tools, over twenty indigenous trees, including shea, dawadawa, kapok and Afzelia, were planted across the school grounds, each one a seed of hope for the students, their communities, and the savannah landscape.

“At Eco Restore, restoration is not a project, it is a responsibility, one that calls for commitment, care, and a deep sense of ownership from all of us, especially the young generation who will inherit the future we are shaping today,” said Abubakarii Amadu Baaba, Assistant Operations Manager (Tree Growing) at Eco Restore. 

The tree-planting activity provided students with hands-on lessons on how forests restore soil fertility, support biodiversity, strengthen local agriculture, and contribute to climate resilience.

Students themselves shared the excitement of the day. Ibrahim Mahama, a JHS 2 student representative, said, “This is my first time planting a tree, and I am so proud that one day my community and the generations to come will benefit from it”. 

With over twenty indigenous trees now in the ground, we look forward to monitoring their growth, nurturing a new generation of forest stewards, and creating lasting change for the local environment and economy.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners, the school leadership and the Gbimsi community for making this possible. At Eco Restore, restoration is about empowering communities, nurturing knowledge, and creating sustainable environmental and economic impact.