By Joseph Agrace Wiyorbie, GNA
Lambussie, (UW/R), June 9, GNA – Mr Ireneous Naawulle Basingbie, the Lambussie District Chief Executive (DCE), has called for collective action of stakeholders and the citizens to combat deforestation, which is exacerbating climate change in the country.
He said deforestation and desertification posed an imminent threat to livelihoods and survival, and that it was imperative for all stakeholders to join forces to address the menace.
The DCE made the call at Lambussie during a tree-planting exercise to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day and the 2026 Tree for Life Restoration Initiative.
The event, organised by the Lawra District Forest Services Division (FSD) at the Lambussie Community Day Senior High School, was held on the theme: “Forest and Economic, and Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investment”.
It brought together Heads of Departments, traditional authorities, security agencies, religious leaders, and students, among others.
Mr Basingbie noted that achieving environmental sustainability to mitigate climate change, secure a healthy planet and improve the quality of life for present and future generations required collective effort.
He explained that deforestation and desertification had resulted in reduced agricultural productivity, increased poverty and food insecurity, water shortages, and the migration of youth in search of greener pastures.
“It is essential for every Ghanaian to jealously protect the remaining trees we have, and consider planting trees as a sacred duty.
In doing so, you will be contributing to bettering our lives and that of future generations”, he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing measures to address desertification and to deal with activities that could jeopardise human lives.
He cited the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to coordinate the fight against illegal mining, and the Blue Water Guards to help protect water bodies, as steps to safeguard the environment.
Mr Basingbie said the Assembly was concerned about the felling of trees in the district, particularly economic trees for firewood and charcoal production.
He said they were working with the Traditional Councils and security agencies in the area to curb the menace.
He reminded the people that cutting trees haphazardly in the district was illegal, and anyone caught in the practice would be dealt with accordingly.
Mr Victor Oduro, the Lawra District Manager of the Forestry Commission, said the project formed part of the government’s flagship environmental initiative to protect the environment.
He, therefore, encouraged the people in the district and beyond to incorporate tree planting and nurturing into their culture and values.
He stressed that trees played a significant role in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on people’s everyday lives.
Mr Oduro further described tree planting as a vital community resilience and disaster mitigation strategy and called for collective efforts to sustain it.
GNA/
Kenneth Odeng Adade