Volta Regional Environment Day held

Keta, June 6, GNA- Togbi Akliku Ahone II, Volta Regional Program Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has said human activities were seriously affecting the environment resulting in destruction of the ecosystem. He noted that changes in the climate resulting in variations in the rainfall pattern, human activities and global warming were negatively affecting development.

Togbi Ahone II, was addressing this year's Volta Regional chapter of the World Environment Day, under the theme, "Melting Ice, a Hot Topic," on Tuesday at Keta.

He said "Scientists cautioned that global temperature would rise between 1.8 and 4.0 degrees Celsius this century, meaning many are at risk of global warming and other effects as the world climate changes." Togbe said even though the largest world economies largely contributed to the destruction of the environment, the fight against environmental degradation could not be relegated to them and urged individuals, organisations and countries to be involved in the campaign. He called for the revival of traditional practices aimed at preserving the environment such as the making of some forests and river bodies sacred places, which people now frowned upon. Togbe Ahoney appealed to district assemblies to form community environment committees and to protect the environment. Togbe Ahoney said sea erosion in the Keta area was a result of climatic changes and environmental degradation caused by human activities adding that human activity needed to be in harmony with nature in man's own interest.

Mr. Joseph Nayan, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, observed that global warming was as a result of the depletion of the ozone layer emission of gases among other conditions.

He ordered District Assemblies along the country's coastline to enforce the laws banning sand winning on the coast and to consider fashioning a policy to regulate sand winning generally. Mr. Kofi Ahiabor, Keta District Chief Executive called for the sustenance of the Environmental Impact Assessment activities to regularly inform the country on it environmental direction.