Okyeman Environment Foundation launched

The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Professor Dominic K. Fobih has observed that due to contempt and disregard for traditional methods of protection, management and conservation of the forest, most of the sacred groves, watersheds and water courses in the country have been destroyed.

He, therefore, called for networking among various sections of the society so that Ghanaians would be well informed about environmental protection methods used elsewhere for adoption.

Professor Fobih made the observation when he launched the Okyeman Environment Foundation at Kyebi at the weekend to climax a weeklong celebration of the Okyeman Environmental Week.

During the week, tree-planting exercises were organised in selected Akyem Abuakwa towns together with durbars to raise public awareness on environmental issues.

The Minister announced that when the Urban and Town Councils become functional, the Ministry would focus on the establishment of community Environmental Management Committees to promote the protection of the environment.

Professor Fobih commended the Okyenhene, Amotia Ofori-Panin for his vision and profound interest in the maintenance of a sustainable environment in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.

Ms Hawa Yakubu, Minister of Tourism, in a speech read on her behalf, said environmental protection and forest conservation promote eco-tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.

She said the Ministry was prepared to provide opportunities for the training of people from Akyem Abuakwa to equip them to plan and manage eco-tourism.

The Ministry would encourage investors to invest in the area and also support the production of promotional materials and marketing of the products at international tourism fairs outside the country and on the website of the Ministry of Tourism.

Scientific research should be conducted to facilitate the exploitation of the forest resources in the area, including herbal medicine production to yield more benefits.

Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, in a speech read for him called for the revival of the voluntary spirit in the keeping of the environment and collaborative efforts of all in the protection of the environment.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefu Ofori-Panin had earlier called on the people to put into practice technical advice offered during the week to protect the environment from further degradation.

He expressed regret that out of "48,000 settlements in the country, only12,000 have any form of government institutions" and called for the decentralisation programme to move some of the policy-making institutions to the rural areas.

This, he said, would enable the officials to appreciate the aspirations of the people for whom their policies were supposed to benefit.