Bank of Africa (BoA) has rolled out its ‘Go Green’ initiative in partnership with 20 basic schools across the country, planting a total of 275 tree seedlings of various economic and ornamental species.
The exercise aligns with the government’s Green Ghana project, which this year aims to plant 30 million trees to restore degraded landscapes and combat climate change.
As part of BoA’s ‘Go Green’ initiative, seedlings of cashew, avocado, coconut, orange, bauhinia and albizia lebbeck were planted across five regions: 158 in Greater Accra, 20 in the Northern Region, 10 in Ashanti, 5 in Western and 82 in the Volta Region.
The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and selected basic schools, blending environmental action with hands-on education.
Speaking to students at the Ford International School in Accra-Teshie under the theme “Plant a tree today, Grow a greener Ghana tomorrow,” Ernestina Hagan-Aggrey of BoA’s Operations Department emphasised how critical tree planting is to sustaining life.
“This initiative is about more than just planting; it is about securing life on earth. Every seedling we put in the ground today is a step toward a cooler, cleaner planet,” she told the students.
During an open discussion, pupils shared their understanding of the importance of trees to the environment and the dangers of indiscriminate felling.
They were also taught proper techniques for planting and nurturing trees, with practical lessons on how trees cool school environments, filter the air and protect the ozone layer, thereby improving concentration in class.
Cultivating a culture of savings and sustainability
Beyond greening campuses, the engagement carried a strong financial literacy component. Pupils were taken through the basics of saving and emergency management, with bank officials drawing a clear parallel between nurturing a tree and growing personal wealth.
“Just as a tree takes time to mature, your savings may seem small at first; but with patience and consistency, they grow into a huge resource that can be invested in your future business,” Ms. Hagan-Aggrey told the students.
The bank used the opportunity to introduce its tailored child and education savings products, urging pupils to encourage their parents to open accounts for them.
Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Leila Pentsil, noted that the initiative goes beyond tree planting to embed financial literacy early.
“We believe financial literacy should start early. By engaging students today, we are helping to raise a generation that understands the value of saving, planning and making informed financial decisions,” she said.
She added that the partnership with the Forestry Commission and schools nationwide is part of BoA’s broader effort to promote environmental sustainability while deepening financial inclusion through education.
The exercise received high praise from the leadership of participating schools, with both students and staff excited to be selected to participate in the exercise.
Clifford Matei Korley, Director of Ford School Limited, commended Bank of Africa for what he described as a critical, life-saving intervention for society.
Reminding those present of the adage, ‘when the last tree dies, the last man dies,’ Mr. Korley affirmed his school’s strict commitment to maintaining a green campus.
Furthermore, he noted that having diverse tree species on campus serves a dual purpose: it directly implements Natural Science and Agricultural Science curricula, transforming the school grounds into a living laboratory for the students.
“This is a critical, life-saving intervention for society. We are grateful to Bank of Africa for blending environmental conservation with skills that will shape financially responsible adults,” Mr. Korley said.
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