Abeka/Tesano Wildlife Zone Inaugurated

The Abeka/Tesano zone of the Wildlife Clubs of Ghana was inaugurated in Accra over the weekend. The inauguration, which gives official recognition to the clubs under the zone, was attended by members of the 30 Wildlife Clubs under the zone and officials of the Wildlife Society of Ghana.

The Chief Officer of the Parks and Gardens, Mr. George Owusu-Afriyie said it is unfortunate that tropical Africa has in the last two decades witnessed unprecedented environmental degradation. He said if appropriate conservation measures are not put in place to address the problem, massive animal and plant extinction would occur. The extinction has been estimated to be at the rate of one specie an hour, if nothing is done.

Mr. Owusu-Afriyie asked the zone to aim its education campaign at informing the public to desist from acts of bush burning, exploitation of mangrove forests, dynamite fishing methods and bad farming practices. "These negative practices are a big threat to plants and animals and their habitat and if not checked will lead to the extinction of our wildlife heritage," he said.

He said the Department of Parks and Gardens would support the efforts of the zone with horticultural tools and other inputs.

The Zonal Co-ordinator, Mr. Eyram Tettevi said though the zone is young it has planted a total of a hundred and fifty seeds in all the schools under the zone.

He added that soon the zone would embark on snail farming, rabbit and grass cutter farming, which will provide income, create skills and jobs as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

Mr. Tettevi said the snail farming has just begun however due to financial constraints it has not been expanded. He appealed to cooperate bodies and the government to come to their aid.

Ms. Susana Ayisiwaa who read an address on behalf of the zone hailed the call of the Vice President for national discipline. She said as their members accept the challenge, "we humbly appeal to our opinion leaders, political leaders and chiefs to show concern to the appalling and poor sanitary problems we have in Abeka and Ghana as a whole."

She appealed to the government not only to equip the police to quell social vices but also map out policies and strategies that can educate individuals on environmental pollution and its effects.

Ms. Ayisiwaa suggested that the government make laws to constitutionalise the formation of wildlife clubs in all educational institutions in order to increase awareness on the effect of environmental pollution.

Three schools were awarded for excelling in an environmental quiz. St. Lawrence Wildlife Club came first and received a trophy, 25 environmental magazines and a certificate. The second prize went to King and Queen Wildlife Club which also received a trophy, 20 magazines and 6 wall posters, followed by Abel R/C Basic School Wildlife Club which went home with 15 magazines and 6 wall posters.