The Black Star Pearls (BSP) of Ghana, an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, initiated its first tree planting exercise in 2023 with students of Anani Memorial International School and other institutions as part of the sorority’s global “Enhancing the Environment” initiative.

In partnership with the Daughters of the Middle Passage (DMP) Foundation and Planet Waves Environmental NGO (PW), BSP members have already visited schools to engage students on the importance of protecting Mother Earth.

Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the first Black sorority in the United States, and its members have continued to uphold a legacy of service. The commemoration of this year’s Earth Day took place at the Aburi Botanical Gardens on 22 nd April 2025 in the Eastern Region, where students, environmental advocates, and key partners gathered for a meaningful environmental, social, and symbolic exercise of planting 108 coconut seedlings to mark the year Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded.

Dir. Christa Sanders (former head of Webster University Ghana) and Professor Delia Gillis led the campaign, stressing the need for sustainable practices and responsible environmental stewardship. Ms. Dzigbordi Kwaku Dosso, Vice President of BSP Ghana, coordinated the program and led implementation efforts. Other members and volunteers contributed significantly by distributing meals and reusable bags to the children present.

In support of the event, Mr. Prince Afari represented Dr. Isaac Danso, Director of the CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI), and delivered a practical session on how to properly plant, space, and maintain coconut seedlings to ensure healthy growth and fruit-bearing potential.

Describing it as a crop of immense versatility, he said that recent trends have elevated coconut as a health symbol.

According to the acting Curator of the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Richard Forson, the Gardens spanned 164 acres, including 30 acres developed and divided into various lawns with different species of trees.

In alignment with this year’s earth day global theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," calls upon each of us to harness our collective strength to transition towards renewable energy and a sustainable future.

Educating the next generation on planting techniques and environmental protection is a simple yet powerful statement. It is a reminder of our duty to the planet, that small acts, when done together, create waves of change promoting a tangible action that celebrates nature, instigate change for climate resilience while engages communities in global environmental protection.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Pix - (Members of B.S.P. at  tree planting exercise (L to R) Professor Delia Gillis Ms. Dzigbordi Kwaku Dosso, Mrs. Norma Puplampu, Dir. Christa Sanders