The Manager of Forestry Commission in charge of the Kassena-Nankana Municipal, Kassena-Nankana West, Builsa North, and Builsa South District respectively in the Upper East Region, Emmanuel Owusu has disclosed that more than 70 percent of trees planted during the maiden Green Ghana Day in the above areas are have survived.
The government, in 2021 commenced a nationwide tree growing exercise to restore the fast degraded land and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Out of the over seven million trees planted nationwide last year, the above assemblies planted 51, 161 trees at vantage points.
Speaking to the media during this year’s Green Ghana Day with a target to plant 200,000 tree seedlings in the above catchment area, Mr. Owusu said with the success chalked last year, he hopes to ensure that more than 70 percent of the trees planted this year survives.
“How we were able to succeed this success is that you need to collect seeds from a mother tree and by doing, you need to consider the type of tree you are selecting the seeds from. So that in the end, the seedlings that you will raise, will have the same species.”
“Our nursery establishment too, we took proper care of them. You need to always consider the rain pattern too.”
The forestry officer mentioned bush fires, erratic rainfall, and activities of domestic and wild animals as the major challenge facing the progress of the project in the districts.
The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Chief Executive, Joseph Adongo who launched the Green Ghana Day in Navrongo called for a collective effort to protect the environment.
“The president says we need to plant trees. Not only the president, but we need to plant trees to make sure that our environment is protected. I have told my staff that from today, everybody is taking a tree or two to the house and growing it but not planting it alone. We will have a modality to make sure that the trees are watered and grow.”
On his part, Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive, Gerald Atoagye who planted a tree in Paga to mark the annual event observed that trees play an important role in the survival of mankind and must be protected.
“It is these trees that release oxygens for us to breathe. These same trees are those that of course absorb the carbon dioxide when in concentrated form can cause harm to life.”
“Trees preserve the soil, serve shelter, food, and medicine and when they die, they serve as manure. I want to urge each and everyone that we should stop terrorizing trees. Because when you cut one tree, you kill one-two, or three human beings.”
Among the trees planted included, mango, mahogany, baobab, cashew, cassia, teak, and kapok tree. The trees will be planted at state institutions such as assembly premises, hospitals, schools, and departments.
Individuals were also given the seedling to plant in their homes while some trees will be planted at some forest reserves.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Navrongo|Ghana
