GREEN Ghana Day, a support to the plantation development initiative of Government was launched at the New Abirem District in the Eastern Region under the theme: “Green Ghana And Save The Environment”.

The event being powered by the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines is aimed at creating awareness about environmental issues and promoting massive tree planting as an afforestation exercise nationwide.

The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Hon Esther Obeng Dappah, said the ministry is concerned about the continuous decline of the forest and wildlife resources and the impact it has on the livelihood of the people of Ghana. She added that, Government is committed and prepared to reverse the current rapid rate of forest depletion and environmental degradation.

She said the programme seeks to enhance the socio-economic welfare of the rural community would address problems facing the forestry sector as it plays an important role in their economies.

She disclosed that about 65 square kilometers of forests are lost annually due to factors such as illegal forest and timber operators, wildfires and poor agricultural practices. She however, implored every citizen of this country to, as a National obligation, plant trees for the benefit of the present and future generations.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon Kwadwo Affram Aseidu said selection of New Abirem was not to demonstrate to the rest of the country that the region had worst degraded environment which required special attention. “Rather it is because we possess a very enviable environment which is rich in natural resources, therefore, everything possible should be done to protect and preserve it” he emphasised.

He said conscious efforts are needed and positive strategies adopted to ensure a sustainable management of the natural resources of the country. He expressed the hope that the chiefs and people of the Abirem north district should take advantage of the launch to embark on massive tree planting exercise to create a unique environment in the district. “If this is successfully implemented, the region would be contributing significantly towards the process of Greening Ghana” he stressed.

The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Prof Nii Ashie Kotey said major programmes are being pursued by the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines to address the problems of forest and wildlife resource depletion and environment degradation in Ghana.

He said, under the programme over 123,000 ha of plantation have been established, creating about 46,000 full time jobs and 1.1 million part time works. “I entreat you to plant a tree today, Green Ghana, create employment and reduce poverty in your locality” he advised.

He said seedlings would be distributed to all regions, districts and communities for planting to begin, adding that forestry personnel and NGO’s at the regional and districts level would co-ordinate the exercise.

Source: Samuel Owusu Yeboah (ISD)

Posted:24/06/08

Bookmark/Search this post with: