C/R: PLANT A TREE TO SAVE LIVES AND PROPERTIES — DCE
The nationwide Tree for Life Initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and preventing natural disasters, has been observed across various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the country. The initiative seeks to encourage citizens to plant and nurture trees as a way of protecting the environment for future generations.
The Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly joined the national exercise with a tree-planting programme held at Abura Bando in the Central Region.
Speaking at the event, the District Chief Executive for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Hon. Daniel Mensah Wardy, underscored the importance of tree planting in safeguarding lives and properties from environmental disasters such as floods, soil erosion and extreme weather conditions.
According to him, trees play a vital role in preserving the ecosystem, improving air quality and preventing environmental degradation. He therefore appealed to traditional leaders, opinion leaders, schools and residents to actively participate in the initiative by planting trees within their communities.
Hon. Daniel Mensah Wardy further encouraged individuals to plant a tree and name it after themselves to create a sense of ownership and responsibility towards its growth and maintenance.
He stressed that nurturing the trees through regular watering and protection would ensure the success of the programme and help increase the district’s forest cover.
The DCE also expressed concern over the increasing activities of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and indiscriminate chainsaw operations, which continue to destroy forest reserves and threaten biodiversity across the country.
He noted that such activities contribute significantly to environmental degradation and called on residents to support government efforts aimed at protecting the country’s natural resources.
In an interview with the media, the Forest Range Officer for the area, Mrs. Mary Obeng, commended the government for introducing the Tree for Life Initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to restore degraded lands and replenish lost forest resources.
She urged all Ghanaians to embrace the programme and actively participate in tree planting exercises to help combat climate change and environmental destruction.
Mrs. Obeng further stated that the initiative has created employment opportunities for many people, especially those engaged in seedling production, nursery management and tree maintenance activities.
She expressed optimism that with collective commitment from citizens, the programme would significantly contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The programme concluded with the planting of several tree seedlings by assembly members, traditional authorities, forestry officials, students and community members as a demonstration of their commitment to protecting the environment.
