Chief decries fast pace of land degradation

Forikrom (B/A) June 7, GNA - A traditional ruler in Techiman municipality has decried the fast pace of land degradation in the country, a situation that he said would render rural farmers poorer. "The worsening situation if not checked will render farmers poor and the mis-management of natural resources would become worse", Nana Kwao Adams, Twafohene of Forikrom said.

The chief, who is the executive director of Abrono organic farming project, was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview after a three-day workshop for 45 farmers and community-based extension agents drawn from Fiaso, Tanoso and Forikrom.

The workshop was aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary skills in resource management. Nana Adams said the idea that natural resources needed to be exploited fully for mankind's survival was outmoded, noting Ghanaians had embraced the lifestyle of living in harmony with the environment for sustainable livelihood.

He called for the strengthening of capacities of traditional authorities and other stakeholders through training and support services for sustainable natural resource management. "There is the need for the promotion of community eco-tourism as a way of adding value to the traditionally protected areas, utilizing the bio-diversity and creating wealth for the community", the chief added. Mr. Charles Ampofo, administrative officer of the Abrono project explained that the workshop sought to map out strategies to promote resource management and business potentials in tourism to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

He urged the participants to take the workshop seriously and to share the knowledge they would acquire with their counterparts in their communities.