The Forestry Commission in Anloga has organised a tree-planting exercise at Avete D.A Basic School to commemorate World Environment Day.
The exercise highlighted the importance of trees in maintaining a healthy environment to provide benefits such as oxygen production, soil conservation, and creation of conducive habitat for wildlife.
Mr. Eric Atta Kusi, the Manager of Operations at the Forestry Commission, told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview that, the exercise was to create awareness and educate the public about the essential benefits of trees to human and animals.
“By planting trees individuals would contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable development,” he said.
Mr. Kusi explained that destruction of trees and environmental degradation could have severe consequences, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions and called for collective action to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.
He said as part of World Environment Day commemoration, the Commission had distributed trees such as Mahogany, Coconut, and royal palm among individuals for planting and the species of trees were noted for their durability and ecological benefits such as shade, timber, and food.
“The general public can pick free seedlings from the Forestry Commission head office, Forest Services Division, regional and district offices and other designated points nationwide.”
Mr. Hope Avuletey, Assistant Manager of Forestry Commission at Anloga, told the GNA that the commission’s initiative encourages community participation in tree planting and environmental protection and urged individuals to take ownership of their environment and participate in tree-planting exercises.
He said the commission had started planting about 20,000 trees across the two districts from June 5 to 30, to restore degraded landscapes.
He urged the public to protect the trees to maintain a healthy environment and other numerous benefits which include air and water filtration, soil conservation, and climate regulation and contribute to promoting sustainable development and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Mr. Avuletey said the Forestry Commission played a critical role in promoting sustainable forest management and environmental protection and promoting environmental awareness would enable contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable environment for all.
The theme for Green Ghana Revolution was “Tree For Life, Restoration of initiative 2025″.
By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
