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This year’s Green Ghana Day project was launched in Kumasi by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who emphasized the need for institutions to take responsibility for their role in the ongoing degradation of the environment.
The Asantehene stated that both chieftaincy and government institutions could not escape accountability for the activities of illegal miners operating within their respective jurisdictions.
The Asantehene committed to addressing chiefs who permit the persistence of illegal mining in their traditional areas, taking no action. He expressed deep concerns regarding the extent of land degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly in places like Amansie and Manso Nkwanta.
The Asantehene added, “If you sit there and claim ignorance about what is happening, then you are not fit to be a chief.” He urged all citizens to support the government’s efforts in tackling the menace of illegal mining, rapidly deteriorating the country’s land and forest reserves. He emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “I will begin with my chiefs while the Hedeals with others. We must all take this matter seriously to combat this menace.”
The Asantehene commended the government for initiating the tree-planting project to reclaim degraded lands caused by mining and illegal logging while combating climate change. He mentioned that even before the project’s introduction in 2021, he had already launched a program 2019 to plant 2.5 million trees around the Bosomtwe Lake because he understood the importance of trees in preserving water bodies.
Asantehene highlighted forests provide health benefits and significantly contribute to the country’s economic development.
He expressed disappointment that despite the government’s efforts to curb illegal logging and mining, “illegal logging and mining continue to threaten our forests.”
The Asantehene appealed to chiefs to take the lead by actively taking part in the Green Ghana project, scheduled for June 9, 2023, and planting trees within their communities.
According to available data, the Ashanti Region has planted the highest number of trees nationwide since the project’s commencement in 2021. Out of the 31 million seedlings planted across the country, the region alone accounted for 7.8 million, most of which have thrived and are doing well.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, explained that the project addressed the continuous degradation of forests for years with no deliberate effort to replace them.
He stated that between 2010 and 2015, the country lost 160,210 hectares of forest cover, exceeding the 157,300 hectares of forest cultivated between 1967 and 2016. This means that within five years, the country lost more forest cover than it had planted over 53 years.
Considering these statistics, the minister stressed the urgent need for the government to adopt aggressive measures to restore the lost forest cover.
Mr. Jinapor expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for consistently supporting the program since its inception and for leading the project in the region.
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Source: Omanghana.com
