Report by Daniel Akwasi NUAKO, Adugyama
The District Manager of the Forestry Commission in Bibiani, Mr. Eric Asare has hinted that Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality is poised to plant about four hundred thousand seedlings(400,000) of different plant species both in forest reserves and outside forest reserves with the motive to combat climate change.
He disclosed this at the second edition of the Green Ghana Day ceremony at Bibiani, the Municipal capital.
The program was held under the theme ” Mobilizing for a greener future”. saw Division Police Commander, Municipal Director of Education, Cleagy, Traditional leaders, Heads of Departments, School Children as well as the general public.
Mr. Asare told the gathering that some of the seedlings have been distributed to various communities, corporate institutions, and individuals for planting.
According to him, the seedlings included but not limited to native are timber species, shade trees, Multi-purpose leguminous trees, and ornamental and fruit trees.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, Mr Alfred Amoah in his address outlined the causes of the sharp depletion of the terrestrial ecosystem in the country as chainsaw operation, timber logging, illegal mining activities, rain storm, natural death of trees and farming activities.
He explained further that, as a result of the factors raised above, frantic efforts should be made by all to plant trees. , “Each citizen should plant at least one tree”, he indicated. Citing Article 41(k) of the Constitution of the Republic, he said this imposes a duty on every citizen to protect and safeguard the environment.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Mohammed Yahaya never minced words in urging the populace to take the exercise seriously.
Nana Anaafi Ababio, the Kontihene of Anhwiaso Traditional Council chaired the occasion on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi ll urged the gathering to take good care of the trees after the seedlings have been planted.
The Green Ghana initiative is under the distinguished leadership of the President and formed part of the government’s aggressive afforestation program to restore lost forest cover and contribute to the global efforts to fight climate change.
“When the last tree dies, the last man also dies”.
