EPA organises tree-planting exercise in Sunyani

Sunyani (B/A) Aug. 17, GNA- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on Monday organized a tree-planting exercise for junior secondary school (JSS) students, in Sunyani, to mark the Brong Ahafo Regional celebration of World Environment Day.

The occasion also marked the 30th Anniversary celebration of the EPA, on the theme: "Greening the Region - everybody's responsibility". Two hundred seedlings of various species and protective cages were supplied to the Barhamiya and High Street JSS students for planting on their school compounds.

Mr. Isaac Osei, EPA Regional Programme Officer, noted that the Region had for the past 20 years experienced massive deforestation through uncontrolled logging and bush fires.

"This condition is a recipe for desertification, which must be avoided by all," he said.

Mr. Osei said the Region occupied an enviable position since it serve as a buffer between the savannah in the north and the forest belt in the south.

He appealed to the public, non-governmental organizations and traditional authorities to conserve and protect the environment. The Regional Programme Officer urged the students not to develop interest only in planting trees on their school compounds but also to be committed and dedicated to the protection of the environment.

Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Regional Minister, expressed concern about the wanton destruction of the Region's forest cover and called for massive afforestation of degraded lands.

The students went on a float through the principal streets of Sunyani, holding placards some of which read: "Keep the environment clean", "Do our forests no harm" and "Preserve our river bodies".