The Forum for Natural Regeneration (FORNAR) today, May 20, 2025, marked World Bee Day in the Upper East Region with a passionate call for stronger measures to protect bees and other pollinators under the theme: “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All.”
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, Agricultural Services, and members of the media, to discuss urgent environmental concerns affecting pollinators and ecosystems in Ghana’s five northern regions.
In recent years, the northern part of the country has been grappling with worsening land degradation—a crisis driven by population growth, deforestation, climate change, drought, desertification, and unsustainable land use. These challenges are rapidly diminishing the productivity of farmlands, grazing lands, and woodlands, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of residents.
The Executive Director of FORNAR, Mr. Sumaila Saaka, emphasized the critical role bees play in food production and ecosystem sustainability.
“The bee is one of the major pollinating insects in our lives. Our fruits, legumes, groundnuts, beans, watermelon, tomatoes, and pepper all depend on bees for pollination,” Mr. Saaka stated. “Without bees, our ability to grow food will be severely compromised.”
Mr. Saaka also underscored the responsibility of the media in raising awareness about the plight of pollinators.
“Journalists must communicate the issues to the general public, educate communities about the need to preserve bee populations, and inform farmers of the dangers of harmful agrochemicals,” he noted.
He called on regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, EPA, Food and Drugs Authority, and the Crop Protection and Regulatory Services Department, to step up their oversight roles.
“We need stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of agricultural chemicals so we do not destroy the very insects that help sustain our food systems,” he added.
As part of its recommendations, FORNAR is advocating for strategic environmental interventions such as large-scale tree planting, improved environmental sanitation, and the cultivation of flowering plants to support pollination.
The celebration of World Bee Day serves as a timely reminder of nature’s delicate balance and the urgent need for collective action to preserve the environment and protect pollinators.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz| Joseph Napoleon Anaaya|Bolgatanga
