By Christopher Tetteh, GNA
Koraso, (Bono), August 13, GNA – Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission (FC) has expressed excitement about the on-going carbon emission reduction program in the Bono Region.
He stressed that the commission and Tullow Oil were satisfied with the progress of the reafforestation program, which was undertaken at the degraded Tain II and Asukese Forest Reserves in the region.
Dr Brown explained that the FC and Tullow Oil signed a partnership agreement program for emission reduction in the forest-savanna transitional zone of Ghana.
The program sought to secure an annual target of 600,000 verified emission reduction or removals by 2030, he stated in an interview with the media during a field visit to the Tain II Forest Reserve at Koraso in the Berekum West District of the Region.
Dr Brown, accompanied by some key personnel of the FC, led officials of Tullow and climate experts to inspect and acquaint themselves with the progress of the reafforestation program at the plantation sites at the Tain II and Asukese Forest Reserves.
He told the media that the program was designed to restore the depleted forest covers, enhance sustainable landscape, explaining that it was REDD+ Project.
The REDD+ Project sought to reinforce commitment from traditional authorities and forest sector actors to enhance and preserve forest reserves through enrichment planting, the Modified Taungya System as well as development of woodlots and agroforestry.
Dr Brown indicated that more than 300 hectares of land was established for the tree plantation project, saying that the FC was working closely with the forest fringe communities to restore the depleted reserves, improve landscape and biodiversity.
The program further sought to achieve the net zero emissions or the carbon emissions target totally, he stated.
Dr Brown stressed that the FC and its partners remained dedicated to managing, developing and protecting the nation’s forest and wildlife.
Nonetheless, he added that the commission alone could not shoulder that responsibility alone, hence the need for strengthened partnerships.
“Our lives depend largely on the trees through carbon dioxide, medical plants, mushrooms and others, therefore when we come together, we can restore the forest and achieve useful outcomes,” Dr Brown stated.
He explained that the program would further improve water accessibility in the forest fringe communities by drilling boreholes and irrigation facilities to nurture the trees.
Dr Brown urged all individuals, stakeholders, and organizations to support in protecting the forest and vegetative covers as well as sustaining the natural environment.
At the Tain II forest reserve at Koraso, expressed concern about bushfire outbreaks in the area and called on the farming communities to help tackle the outbreaks and preserve the reserve.
He said last year the program planted several Cedrela and Milana, and tree species to restore the reserve.
Ms Julia Ross, the Director of Business Services, Tullow Oil, lauded the farmers’ passion and eagerness towards the implementation of the program.
The team later undertook tree planting exercises to commence the 2026 program implementation.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Christopher Tetteh – GNA
Email: [email protected]