Incorporate Tree Planting in Building Permit to Protect Environment—Suame MP Urges Assemblies

The Member of Parliament for Suame, Hon. John Darko, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to incorporate mandatory tree planting and green landscaping as conditions for issuing building permits.

He made the proposal while contributing to a statement by the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

The statement focused on the urgent need to invest in greening Ghana’s urban spaces to enhance environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Hon. Darko commended the statement, describing it as “nationalistic” in scope for highlighting the environmental challenges faced by cities across Ghana from Keta and Accra to Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale.

He further noted the relevance of international examples, such as Freetown, which have successfully implemented green urban development models.

“In this country, many homes do not have a single tree or a patch of grass. Unlike other jurisdictions where greening is mandatory for homeowners, we have no such regulation. This contributes to flooding, as there’s nothing to absorb rainwater in most residential areas,” he observed.

The Suame MP proposed that all building permit applicants be required to commit to planting trees or maintaining green lawns on their properties.

He emphasized that such a policy would not only beautify communities but also serve as a natural defense against environmental hazards.

Beyond MMDAs, Hon. Darko also urged the empowerment of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to enforce greening standards within their residential communities.

According to him, formalizing and strengthening the role of HOAs could help ensure consistent adherence to environmental guidelines at the local level.

He further advocated for a shift in policy approach—from punitive to persuasive—encouraging citizens to appreciate the long-term benefits of maintaining green environments rather than fearing sanctions for noncompliance.

“We tend to pass laws that punish. But when it comes to greening our communities, we must rather encourage people—help them understand the benefits. If we do this, the vision of greening our cities, as outlined by Hon. Annoh-Dompreh, will be fully realized,” he concluded.

Source: Felix Nyaaba | ExpressNewsGhana.com