Somusei (E/R) Aug 01, GNA – Nana Oberempong Osei Omari II, Chief of Somusei near Donkorkrom, has launched a project called “1 Child, 1 Tree,” an award scheme to encourage children to take part in tree planting.
The project was unveiled on the theme: “The youth and children in afforestation, a collective responsibility in saving the planet from global warming and deforestation.”
Speaking during the launch at Somusei in the Afram Plains South District, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, Nana Omari II said the project was expected last for five years with the possibility of extension based on results.
“It is an inspirational project that aims to inculcate in the children and the next generation, the habit and attitude of protecting and taking good care of trees to bring positive influence of forest on the climate change.”
“It is not just about you children planting trees but instead planting and nurturing them.”
The Chief adopted a strategy to ensure the trees were well cared for by requesting that each child attached his name to the tree planted so they could keep a close eye on its development.
Nana Omari II described the project as a straightforward initiative that could improve the environment, and called on traditional leaders and chiefs at Afram Plains North and South to implement it as well.
“The impact of climate change is real, and we the Traditional Chiefs need to act now to help mitigate the devastating impact of global warming by reducing our communities’ environmental footprint,” he said.
Global warming is a component of climate change that refers to the long-term rise in global temperatures, and its causes include human activities such as indiscriminate tree cutting.
Mr Richard Okyere Amoateng, Donkorkrom District Manager of the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission, praised the Chief for the initiative to combat climate change challenges and declared his support for the project.
He stated that the goal of the Forestry Commission was to develop, manage, and protect forest and wildlife resources to leave future generations, unborn children, and their communities with more rich and valuable natural resources.
He shared some tree maintenance tips with students at Somusei D/A Basic School, including planting the right tree in the right place, proper watering, mulching, and trimming.
He stated that officials from the Commission would visit the town to conduct a survival survey on the trees and to open a communication channel so that they could contact them if they encountered any problems.
He presented the school with a number of Casia and Mango tree seedlings for planting.
The elders of the town volunteered to clear a large area near the school to allow the children to plant trees as part of their commitment to the “1 Child, 1 Tree” project.
Mr. Richard Nimako, a a Lecturer at the Presbyterian University College, commended the teachers of Somusei D/A Basic School for their contribution to sustainable development by encouraging students to plant trees.
He advised the students to study hard while keeping an eye on the trees planted to protect the environment.
The Chief of Atakora, Nana Akuamoah Boateng Tanor II, was present to support the tree planting project.
Source: Ghana News Agency
