Okyehene declares war on environmental degradation

The Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amaotia Ofori Panin, has called for an all-out war on environment degradation in the country.

He observed that, in the past, forests and river bodies were protected but now, they are being destroyed through tree felling and chainsaw operations.

He said river bodies are being polluted through illegal mining for selfish gains.

The Okyehene therefore called on Ghanaians for the protection of the legacy inherited from their forefathers.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin was speaking at a durbar at Takorase organised to climax the week-long celebration of this year’s Okyeman Environment Week, which also marked the World Environment Day.

The celebration was organised on the theme: “Rise up and join the fight against degradation.”

The Okyehene stated that efforts by the government and other agencies to check the destruction of forests and pollution of river bodies had not yielded the needed results; and therefore called on Ghanaians to join in the protection of the environment.

Among the activities planned for the week-long celebrations are tree planting, educational workshops, training seminars, film shows and children’s environmental bazaar.

A team from the Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry Services Commission, Minerals Commission, Department of Wildlife, and other environmental stakeholders took part in seminars and workshops organised to climax the celebration.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, the Abodesaahene, Barima Yentumi Boaman, said as part of the celebration some 5,000 people in eight communities were sensitised on environmental issues particularly the sustainability of natural resources in their daily activities.

The communities were Okumaning, Daamang, Abompe, Soade, Otumi, Awhiamuo, Kwae and Takorase.