ATLANTA, Ga. — The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is excited to announce Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana as its newest associate organization.  

“This is truly a momentous occasion,” ISA CEO and executive director Caitlyn Pollihan said. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana and all the incredible work they do for their community. This is our first component organization on the continent of Africa, and we hope to see this trend continue as we work to promote the profession of arboriculture on a global scale.”  

Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana is a community-led organization that has planted over 98,000 trees since 2021, with a long-term goal of planting 10 million trees in the region.  

“We are truly excited to join the International Society of Arboriculture as its first associate organization in Africa,” Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana executive director Mohammed Rabiu Dannakabu said. “This partnership is a significant milestone for Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana and strengthens our mission to restore landscapes, empower young people and advance professional tree care across the country. It opens new doors for collaboration, credibility and shared learning—supporting our work to build a greener and more climate-resilient Ghana.” 

With Ghana’s wooded Savannah being in danger, Plant-for-the-Planet is committed to restoring these local forests through a hybrid approach of planting native species and agroforestry species. Already, Plant-for-the-Planet has created jobs in tree work for 14 full-time and 65 ad-hoc seasonal employees within the Banpewa community. 

ISA Certified Arborist Justinian Osei-Akosa is one of the individuals who has aided in this partnership between ISA and Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana. 

“With 60% of the world's arable land and the world's youngest population, Africa is now primed to enhance and maintain the urban canopies of the rapidly developing cities within the continent,” Osei-Akosa, Ghanaian American and ISA Certified Arborist, said. “A large pool of young, viable and passionate youth will now have the opportunity to join the ranks of a large and vital industry of tree care professionals. I'm grateful to the ISA for extending such great resources and opportunities to the continent. It's a testament to the ISA's continued mission of promoting the professional practice of arboriculture and fostering a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees." 

Plant-for-the-Planet Ghana officially joined ISA in November 2025. For more information, visit plant-for-the-planet.org/plant-for-ghana/.