Atwimahene, Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong II, has appealed to the Government of Ghana to engage more youth, including National Service Personnel (NSS), in the implementation of the Green Ghana Project (GGP) and other afforestation-related initiatives.
This, he said, would help the youth own such projects to ensure the sustenance of such noble initiatives. The Atwimahene said that programmes concerning the environment ought to be taken seriously given the effect of the ecosystem and biodiversity on humanity.
Nana Antwi Agyei Brempong, in an interview in the Atwima-Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region, described the Green Ghana Project as a step in the right direction as the country sought to improve its forest cover.
River Run Indigenous Tree Planting (RRITP) project
Nana Agyei Brempong hinted that under the River Run Indigenous Tree Planting (RRITP) project, his initiative being implemented by “Ashan Tree,” a non-profitable organization, a lot of tree seedlings have already been planted at Atwima.
The aim is to enhance vegetation in the area while boosting the town’s scenic view.
According to him, the RRITP project, which commenced about three years ago, was technically supervised by the Forestry Commission (FC) to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
“Planting trees is my passion and I hope to extend this to other places soon.”
Nana Agyei Brempong
He drew attention to the fact that reafforestation is a collective responsibility, and all Ghanaians must get on board to make the Green Ghana Project a success.
The Atwimahene pointed out that he had directed every household in his community to embark on tree planting exercise due to the benefits of such ventures.
In affirming the Atwimahene, the Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, in a recent interview, called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to clamp down on perpetrators of galamsey to give real meaning to the Green Ghana Initiative.
The Okyehene said posterity would not forgive the current generation if adequate measures are not put to safeguard the environment from more destruction.
“It is selfish that we should dig all the gold from the ground and cut down all the trees for parochial gain to deny future generations natural resources and a healthy environment. I am delighted that the government has seen the need to replant, restore and replenish degraded forests. This is good because it is our future, and when we plant 20 million trees, we are planting our future to be free from diseases and climate change.”
Osagyefuo Ofori Panin
Given the pivotal role chiefs played in mobilization for development, it is important for them to be made part of the entire process of the Green Ghana project, he added.
Green Ghana Project to restore degraded lands
The Project generally seeks to create a collective action toward restoring degraded landscapes in the country, mitigating climate change, and teaching the youth the values of planting and nurturing trees.
It is one of the most significant environmentally related initiatives under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led Administration to improve ecology.
This year, the Project targets to plant at least 20 million trees of varied species across the country.
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