Prudential Life Insurance Ghana is taking steps to restore Ghana’s wetlands through a mangrove restoration project at Obane in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region.
Guided by its purpose, “to be partners for every life and protectors for every future,” the company’s efforts are not only helping to save the mangrove ecosystem but also contributing to Ghana’s broader climate goals, including reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
The initiative is part of the company’s sustainability agenda focused on building resilient communities against impact of climate change and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
In June this year, Prudential Life planted 5,300 mangrove seedlings in the wetland community which is also a UN designated Ramsar Site. This brings the total number of mangrove seedlings planted in Obane to 7,300 over the past two years, and 22,300 trees nationwide since 2022.
The mangrove project is supported by the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), the Forestry Commission, Ada Senior High School, and members of the Obane community.
Speaking to the media, Gifty Owusu, Head of Sustainability at Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, emphasised the urgency of the restoration effort. She said “Practices like cutting down the mangroves for fuelwood and charcoal have led to the degradation of the essential ecosystem. Today, restoring these mangroves is both urgent and necessary.”
She explained that the initiative is the company’s contribution to the Green Ghana Campaign by the government saying, “We deem it a great privilege to contribute to the national environmental efforts as part of the sustainability agenda being championed by the government.”
While Green Ghana initiatives have largely focused on tree crops like mahogany, mango, and coconut; mangroves, which are essential for wetland and coastal resilience remain underserved, hence Prudential Life’s decision to support that area.
According to the Forestry Commission, Ghana’s mangrove cover currently stands at 72.4 km², but about 35% has been lost due to urbanisation, overexploitation, wildfires, and climate change.
Ernest Apenkwa, a Rep of the Forestry Commission and Manager of the Songor Ramsar Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighted the ecological and economic significance of the project. He said, “This swampy, ecologically significant area is home to mangroves, migratory birds, marine turtles, and other biodiversity. The red mangroves especially provide critical nursery grounds for fish and crabs, which support the community’s livelihood.”
To this end the exercise is timely to as it will help restore the mangrove cover and rebuild natural defenses against flooding and erosion, which directly supports the ecosystem and eventually the livelihoods of community members.
Community members who were excited about the project expressed their gratitude to Prudential Life and the partners and pledged to take care of the young plants till they mature fully to add to the mangrove stock of the area.
Prudential Life Insurance Ghana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential plc. It provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa.
It mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.
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