In a passionate plea for environmental reform, Madam Awula Serwah, Coordinator for Eco-Conscious, has called on local assemblies to take immediate action to remove kiosks cluttering city streets and replace them with trees. This call to action aims to restore greenery, enhance urban beauty, and combat climate change.
Madam Serwah expressed her deep concern over the increasing trend of placing kiosks along roadsides and in front of houses, a practice that has significantly altered the landscape of many Ghanaian cities.
Madam Serwah criticized the unchecked spread of kiosks, highlighting their detrimental impact on the environment and urban aesthetics.
“We are planting kiosks instead of trees,” she lamented, pointing out the irony in the current urban planning approach. Citing Adenta as an example, Madam Serwah noted that opposite the Melcom store, “All we’ve done is plant kiosks, some so close to the road that wares spill onto the roads, and customers stand on the roads.”
Madam Serwah urged local authorities to take decisive steps to reverse this trend.
“We have asked for these kiosks to be removed because we’re not supposed to be planting kiosks; we should be planting trees.”
Madam Awula Serwah, Coordinator for Eco-Conscious
According to Madam Serwah, the proliferation of kiosks is a clear indication of misplaced priorities that not only spoil the beauty of the cities but also contribute to the increasing temperatures in urban areas.
Madam Serwah further explained that the current situation is a significant contributor to climate change.
“How does a city become a garden city? Only if we plant trees. But if we cut down trees and replace them with kiosks while local authorities stand idly by, it’s no wonder Accra and Ghana have become hot. It is our own activities that are contributing to climate change.”
Madam Awula Serwah, Coordinator for Eco-Conscious
Advocating for Green Urban Spaces
Madam Serwah’s call to action is rooted in a broader vision for greener, more sustainable urban environments. She stressed the importance of planting trees along all streets to enhance the beauty and coolness of urban areas. Her advocacy is not just about aesthetics but also about improving the overall quality of life for city dwellers.
Trees provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and contribute to the well-being of residents. By advocating for the removal of kiosks and the planting of trees, Madam Serwah is pushing for a holistic approach to urban planning that prioritizes environmental sustainability.
In addition to planting ornamental trees, Madam Serwah suggested the inclusion of fruit trees in urban planning. This, she believes, would offer multiple benefits, including providing fresh fruits to city dwellers.
“Imagine walking down the street and being able to pick a fresh mango or orange. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve our environment and provide for our people,” Madam Serwah suggested.
The idea of planting fruit trees aligns with the concept of urban agriculture, which is gaining popularity worldwide. It promotes self-sufficiency, reduces food miles, and fosters a connection between people and their environment.
Madam Serwah’s message was clear: local authorities have a critical role to play in transforming Ghana’s urban landscapes. She called on them to enforce regulations that prevent the proliferation of kiosks and to prioritize tree-planting initiatives. This, she argued, would require a concerted effort and a shift in mindset among policymakers and the public alike.
Madam Serwah’s call for greener streets is a timely reminder of the need for sustainable urban development. As cities around the world grapple with the effects of climate change, her advocacy underscores the importance of local action in addressing global challenges.
Her passionate appeal serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize the environment and work towards creating urban spaces that are not only functional but also sustainable and pleasant to live in. As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
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