By Justina Paaga
Sekondi June 6, GNA-Karpowership Ghana, a power producing company incollaboration with the Sekondi Naval Base, planted 3000 tree seedlings to commemorate this year’s world environmental day, on the theme: “Restoring Degraded Landscapes”.
A total of 100 seedlings were planted at the Sekondi Naval which housed the Karpowership, while the remaining seedlings would be sent to degraded forest reserves and galamsey sites in the region.
The company has since 2021 planted 11,000 tree seedlings in Greater Accra and the Western Regions in support of Ghana’s efforts at reforestation through Tree for life initiative.
Ms Sandra Amarquaye Communication Manager at Karpowership, said the event under the sub theme: “Plant today, Power Tomorrow “indicated Karpowership Ghana commitment to environmental sustainability.
She said the day was not just about planting trees but cultivating a culture of protecting the environment, hence the company decided to support the Tree for Life Initiatives with 3,000 trees to save degraded forest reserves.
Ms Amarquaye commended the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Sekondi Naval Base and the Forestry Commission for their cooperation and support.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, said the government was committed to the tree for life initiative and would do everything in its capacity to restore and reclaim all degraded forest across the country.
He said it was not enough to just plant tree seedlings, but that stakeholders should endeavour to nurture them to survive so as to achieve the benefits of the tree for life initiative.
The Regional Minister called on chiefs and community leaders to up their game to constantly monitor and supervise tree planting exercises in their various communities.
He commended Karpowership Ghana and Forestry commission for their efforts to sustain the tree for life initiative.
Mr Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, pointed out that, though most forest reserves had been degraded by the activities of illegal mining there was still hope since the lands could be reclaimed.
He called on all stakeholders to put their hands on deck to sustain the tree for life initiative and advocated the formation of forest clubs and forest festivals, which would attract tourists to country.
Mr Kotoko said it was time to involve chiefs and the media in the tree for life initiative since they played a crucial role in public education.
Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, Flag Officer, Commanding the Western Naval Command, in his address, commended Karpowership Ghana for showing commitment to sustain the tree for life initiative.
He said the command was committed to ensuring a green and safe environment and pledged that his outfit would nurture the seedlings to grow into beautiful trees to protect the environment.
The programme was attended by pupils, students, religious leaders, staff from the Forestry Commission and Sekondi Naval base.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie