As the world marked World Environment Day on June 5, 2026, NEO ReportGH has renewed calls for greater environmental responsibility, urging citizens not only to plant trees but also to ensure their survival through proper nurturing and maintenance.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Project Manager of NEO ReportGH, Mr. Justice Adzi, emphasized that tree planting initiatives must go beyond ceremonial exercises and focus on the long-term growth and sustainability of planted trees.

According to him, while tree planting remains an important tool in the fight against climate change, many efforts fail to achieve their intended impact because planted seedlings are often neglected after the initial planting exercise.

“Planting a tree is only the beginning. The real success lies in our ability to nurture and protect these trees until they mature and deliver the environmental benefits we seek, including cleaner air, improved biodiversity, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced climate resilience,” Mr. Adzi stated.

He further highlighted the growing challenge of indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste and other forms of refuse in communities, describing the practice as a major threat to environmental sustainability and public health.

Mr. Adzi noted that irresponsible waste disposal contributes significantly to environmental pollution, blocks drainage systems leading to floods, contaminates water bodies, and increases greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate climate change.

As part of its environmental advocacy agenda, NEO ReportGH is encouraging individuals, schools, community groups, businesses, and local authorities to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including waste segregation, recycling, proper waste disposal, and regular community clean-up exercises.

A key component of the initiative is a strategic partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Central Region and She Helping Hand to educate young people on environmental protection and sustainability. Through the partnership, students and youth groups will be equipped with practical knowledge on keeping their surroundings clean, reducing plastic pollution, and becoming environmental ambassadors within their communities.

The initiative will also mobilize young people to actively participate in tree planting and tree nurturing activities across selected communities in the Central Region over the next two years. Organizers believe that engaging the younger generation will help cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship and ensure the long-term success of conservation efforts.

Mr. Adzi called on all stakeholders to recognize that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from every member of society.

“Protecting our environment is not the duty of government alone. Every individual has a role to play in ensuring a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for generations to come,” he stressed.

NEO ReportGH says it will continue to use its platform to educate the public on environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable waste management, and the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

The organization believes that sustained public awareness, youth engagement, and community participation remain critical to achieving a resilient, climate-smart, and environmentally sustainable Ghana.