Forests play a vital role in our environment, providing habitat for wildlife, regulating the climate, and supplying us with wood and other natural resources.
However, forests are under threat, with deforestation and illegal logging posing significant challenges to conservation efforts.
As part of steps to combat illegal logging and lumbering, the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, Mr Clement Omari has said if someone is caught lumbering trees, they will have to face the consequences and deal with the full force of the law.
“We’re doing our best, to arrest and allow the law to deal with anyone who would be found culprit of deforestation.”
“This is not the responsibility of only the forestry commission, but the media and the general public must endeavour to report people who destroy the forests resources.” Mr Omari made the disclosure in an interview with the media on Green Ghana Day, 2023.
Green Ghana Day 2023
The Ashanti Regional Forestry Commissions’ version of the green day on the theme: Our Forest our Health; Let’s go planting took place at the Kumasi Golf Park, on Friday 9th June 2023.
A variety of trees were planted by the Forestry Manager, staff members and some other stakeholders.
According to Mr Omari, the Region is expected to plant at least 2.1 million seedlings.
He however entreated the people within the region to at least plant one seedling within their locality.
“If we’re to consider the region’s population to tree plantation, I believe by now we would have made an immense impact. So I’m encouraging everyone to partake in this exercise.” He added.
Commenting on the previous year’s Green Ghana project, the Manager disclosed that, “About 75% to 85% of trees we planted last year survived.”
He believes that this year’s seedlings will also grow despite recent climate changes.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com /Joseph Marfo
