Alhaji Inusah Fuseini (INSET) speaking to the gathering
Mr. Samuel Afari Dartey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has urged Ghanaians to protect the forest because according to him, a degraded environment is a threat to national development.
He noted that there was an imminent threat to livelihood with the fast depletion of forest covers and resources, adding that unless the people collectively fight ‘the enemies of the forest,’ future generations would inherit no forest cover.
The Chief Executive made these observations at Begoro, the capital of the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region, during the launch of the 2014 ‘Greening Ghana Day’ to mark the International Day of Forests which coincided with the 3 rd Forestry Commission Week celebrations under the theme, ‘Celebrating Our Forestry for Sustainable Development.’
‘My responsibility and your responsibility and indeed, our collective responsibility, is to stand resolute and determined to resist those keen on plundering forest and forest resources for their selfish interests while the rest of us wallow in misery and poverty,’ he charged.
The Forestry Commission boss assured Ghanaians of his outfit’s continued commitment to be at the forefront of forest-based reforms as a critical component and pre-requisite for a green economy as well as creating as much awareness as possible about the dangers associated with the unbridled destruction of the forest cover.
Mr. Dartey paid glowing tribute to the media for their immense watchdog role in reporting on issues about the forest and the Commission and challenged them to go further with investigative reports ‘since forestry issues have both national and global appeals.’
He noted that investigative reports on syndicates operating in the forests under the cover of darkness, reports on unpatriotic citizens colluding with foreigners to deplete the forest covers through illegal mining, pollution of water bodies and its effects on health and wealth, would not only give the particular media house or reporter international recognition, but would also save the country a lot of resources.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, also reiterated the need for concerted efforts towards the conservation of the forest and other natural resources.
Alhaji Fuseini noted that the setting aside of a day by the United Nations (UN) for the creation of awareness on the need to protect the forest reaffirms the global commitment to handle the forest with care.
He disclosed that one of the major challenges the forestry sector is facing is how to curb illegal chainsaw operations which he said, poses a great danger to the environment.
The Minister stated that over 70 percent of the rural population depend on the forest for their livelihood adding that, ‘As we celebrate the day we need to remind our communities of the important roles forests play in the socio-economic lives of the people’.
From Daniel Bampoe, Begoro, Email: [email protected]
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.