The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Forestry, Benito Owusu Bio has acknowledged the pivotal role played by the chiefs and traditional rulers of Hohoe in the success of the government’s Green Ghana Project.
Speaking at a durbar held in his honor at Hohoe in the Volta Region, he commended the chiefs for their support which he reckons proved decisive in getting Ghanaians to embrace the initiative.
According to him, the chiefs who wield so much respect and influence in their respective areas of rulership managed to convince their residents to welcome the initiative which seeks to protect Ghana’s forest cover.
“We were surprised to hear that a durbar was being held in our honor and for us to come here and meet the paramount chief and his elders show the important role our traditional rulers play in the protection of our environment. Our mission here is to thank the people and traditional authorities in Hohoe for the overwhelming reception towards the Green Ghana Project which the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated with the support of our Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor in helping Green Ghana and also to restore the vegetative cover of our country that has been depleting over the years”.
“We were informed that Hohoe was not left out and that on that day the chief and everyone here stood out to be counted. That shows that the people of Hohoe support every project that this government initiates and that is worth noting”.
Benito Bio
Government doesn’t take support for granted
Benito Owusu further assured the chiefs, queen mothers and residents present at the durbar that the government does not take for granted the support it derives from the chieftaincy institution and will continue to collaborate with them for the growth of the country.
The Minister further thanked the Hohoe traditional rulers for their support during the elections.
“We also want to thank you for the massive support that you gave us during the election and that support has turned Hohoe to be number one in Volta Region”.
Benito Bio
The durbar preceded the inspection of trees planted by the Forest Plantation Development Fund.
The Deputy Minister after inspecting the nursing seeds by the Forest plantation staff expressed appreciation to them. He remarked that they have demonstrated that they are ready to play their role in the progress of the country.
Benito Owusu-Bio further averred he was impressed with the progress and will return with the utmost satisfaction and confidence that the government’s afforestation initiative met the endorsement of the people of Hohoe.
Green Ghana project, timely
Addressing the Minister and his entourage on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Hohoe, Togbe Adzofuwus III, the divisional chief of Gbi Atabu stated that the Green Ghana initiative was timely as it will help save the vegetation cover of the region which was eroding at an alarming rate.
He then expressed worry about the rate of erosion, de-siltation and other activities which pose huge threat to the forest cover and commended the government for acting in a timely manner to curb the situation.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Technical Director of Forestry, Mr. Abu Juarm, the Chief Planning Officer, Mr. Joseph Osiakwah and the Administrator of Plantation Development Fund Board, Madam Alberta Essuman and some officers of the Ministry and the Forest Plantation Development Fund Board.
