Public cautioned against indiscriminately cutting down trees

The Bono regional manager of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Augustine Kofi Gyedu, has cautioned against indiscriminately cutting down of trees in the area.

Mr Augustine Kofi Gyedu charged chainsaw operators and plot holders against the act without permits as the region commemorated Green Ghana Day on June 7, 2024.

The regional manager spoke to Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Ark FM on the sidelines of the event on Friday, at the 3 Garrison Liberation Barracks in Sunyani, targeted to plant 750,000 trees in Bono Region.

Mr Gyedu mentioned that the day was set aside to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, enlighten citizens on the importance of forests, and enhance biodiversity and household food security, including mitigating the impacts of climate change.

When asked about measures being put in place to stop the indiscriminate cutting down of trees, he said, trees planted in the region would be nurtured and protected to ensure the success of the green Ghana project.

He noted that illegal cutting down of trees was punishable by law, thus, discouraging the public from refraining from such activities.

Mr. Augustine Kofi Gyedu touted the past achievements of the initiative in the region.

“I’m glad to inform you that, we in the Bono Region have always exceeded our previous targets. During the 2023 edition, for example, we distributed and planted 1,130,000 seedlings throughout the region, thereby exceeding our targets of 600,000 with a survival rate of 83%,” he noted.

Mr. Gyedu commended the Sunyani Division of the Commission for emerging as the best district in Ghana with the highest number of seedlings distributed and planted, thus reaching 718,362 in the year 2023.

He also called on collaborators such as traditional authorities, churches and mosques, schools, security agencies, NGOs, associations, and private individuals to support the tree-planting initiative.

He believes, their active involvement will boost the morale of the people in Bono to actively involve themselves in the course.

He instructed individuals who participated in the tree planting to nurture them and take pictures of their plants to showcase their efforts.

On her part, the Bono regional minister, hon. Justina Owusu Banahene, said the government, through the Forestry Commission and other partners, initiated tree planting and conservation programmes to safeguard the environment.

Justina Awo Banahene noted that this year’s theme, “Growing for a Greener Tomorrow,” reminds citizens of the role played by trees, especially in the face of climate change-related problems.

To this end, the minister was optimistic that the initiative would help address the environmental and health threats posed by deforestation.

Ms Justina stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration and wider stakeholder engagement in achieving the goal of planting 750,000 seedlings through the Green Ghana initiative.

Speaking as chairperson for the event, the Paramount Queen of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II, commended President Nana Akufo Addo and the Forestry Commission for the initiative, as it will restore the lost natural forest cover in the region and Ghana at large.

Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II highlighted the environmental impact tree planting would have on the ecosystem and the citizenry, emphasizing the reduction of serious health risks that deforestation poses.