The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Gardens has made available a first batch of 500 species of trees and shrubs to be planted at Okorase and its environs in the Akwapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Some selected basic school pupils and residents were given trees to plant.
A second batch would be planted across other communities within two years in the Eastern Region.
Okorase and its environs has become vulnerable to wind storm lately, hence the choice of the tree planting exercise.
At a short ceremony, the Eastern Regional Director of EPA, Felix Addo-Okyireh, underscored the essence of trees in the environment.
“Tree planting will form complete greeny system which can achieve purification of air, prevention of pollution, adjusting of climate, improvement of soil quality as well as enhancement of visual ecology.”
He, however, pointed out there was a serious threat to the environment which should be addressed as a matter of urgency to avoid grave ecological problems.
“The rate at which our forests are being depleted by indiscriminate cutting of tress for commercial and domestic purposes, destruction of water bodies by illegal miners must be regulated.”
He called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to draw up afforestation programmes to involve all stakeholders of the community.
The Eastern Regional Director of Parks and Gardens, Julius Frederick Appiah, noted the exercise was to protect and conserve the environment for the future generation.
“The reason why we must involve the children in this planting exercise is to inculcate in them the need to take care of nature as they grow.”
He added it was critical his outfit is resourced to carry out its functions effectively.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, urged pupils and community members to own a tree and be responsible for nurturing it till it matures.
“I have decided to celebrate the event with you so that the trees you are planting in your backyard and community would be owned by you and not government.”
By Yvonne Neequaye|3news.com|Ghana