John Agandin: The Trees of Sandema

John Akanvariyuei Agandin

Hurt not the trees!

The trees! The trees!

Oh hurt not the trees of Sandema!

These majestic giants,

Robed in green glory;

Thick as thieves;

Meek as mice;

Ancient even as the land.

Silent, calm, dignified.

Shedding their incense

upon this neglected realm.

Long have they stood,

deep in their roots,

tall in their reach

massive in their girth

keeping watch over us;

from the blazing sun above,

the blistering earth at our feet,

and the poisonous gas of the air.

Come, let us go on our knees

to thank and praise their worth!

Oh, what a sight they make;

What a view to see;

What beauty to admire;

Cheek to cheek,

shoulder to shoulder,

with intertwining boughs

muttering their supplications

over this wretched thoroughfare

that has received naught

but promise upon promise

yet cannot be mended

And now to be without them?

They’re the first shade of welcome

and the last sigh of goodbye

upon this dusty stretch.

Is their death the price we must pay,

For the promises to be fulfilled?

Stop! Listen!

Across the land, the host of heaven cry:

“Hurt not the trees!”

Man, if you are indeed only

a little lower than the angels,

Ought you not to be wise enough?

* This poem is one of the many voices calling for the protection of the beautiful, yet endangered, mahogany trees that line both sides of the road as one enters or leaves Sandema—whether coming from Navrongo or heading through to Wiaga. These towering giants are more than just trees—they are living symbols of beauty, resilience, and heritage. In 2022, a road construction project threatened their existence, sparking public concern and a wave of emotion among Bulsa people and others. This poem gives voice to that concern. It honours the trees not only for their environmental importance, but for the quiet dignity they bring to a land too often forgotten in National/regional development plans. It is a call to action, a cry for wisdom, and a reminder that progress should not come at the cost of what makes a place truly special.

The trees lining the road towards Wiaga

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