By Patience Gbeze/Edward Dankwah
Dodowa (G/A), Nov. 8, GNA – The EcoClub 360’, a non-government organisation (NGO) with a focus on environmental issues, with relevant stakeholders have embarked on a climate procession at Dodowa in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
The procession began at 0830 hours from the Matetse Taxi Rank, located at the town’s entrance, and proceeded along the main street, through the market, and onward to the Dodowa Forest.
It was on the theme: “Empowering Communities for Climate Resilience, Peace and Social Cohesion.”
The Climate Procession is part of the EcoClub 360’s project titled “Amplifying Climate Solutions for Sustainable Development and Democratic Governance” funded by CDD-Ghana and the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana.
The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders, coordinate climate solutions and foster community engagement whilst creating climate change awareness.
It also seeks to educate the community and young people on the need for urgent climate action to combat the impacts of climate change.
Participating institutions included the Ghana Education Service, Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Health Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Asaseyaa Foundation, the Media, among others.
The procession also saw the planting of Red Scandal and Mahogany trees at the Dodowa Forest.
Madam Patience Ahiabor, Founder and Executive Director, EcoClub 360, said the impact of climate change was undeniable, such that prior to the procession, they engaged with key stakeholders in the district and identified deforestation as a significant concern in the district.
“We understand the vital role of forests and vegetation in sustaining the environment by providing oxygen, so continued destruction of these resources threatens not only our own well-being but also the integrity of nature itself,” she added.
She said many students, including young children, actively participated in the event because they knew that if the environment was not protected, there would be no healthy environment for them in the future.
The Executive Director of the Club said they would be planting about 500 trees, with participation from various departments in the Community, and the Forestry Commission as the specialist institution leading the planting of the trees.
She said a petition was submitted to the district assembly to strengthen the district’s environmental laws, with a focus on tree preservation and environmental greening.
“With ongoing development, tree removal is inevitable, therefore, those who issue permits must ensure that a portion of land is designated for greening and tree planting,” she added.
Madam Ahiabor said concrete measures had been implemented by the district assembly and other stakeholders to ensure the growth of the newly planted trees as the dry season drew closer.
GNA