Day: June 9, 2024

Members of the Diplomatic Corps have planted trees in the Achimota forest to commemorate the Green Ghana Day instituted by the government to restore lost forest cover.

Speaking ahead of the planting exercise, Nana Akosua Agyeman Prempeh, Board Member Forestry Commission, expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their active participation in the event of the Green Ghana Day since its inception in 2021.

‘You have always graced this event with your presence and you don’t take it for granted,’ she said.

The Green Ghana Day was instituted in 2021 by the President Akufo-Akufo-Addo when he saw the need for a rigorous afforestation drive to help restore the degraded forest landscapes of the country.

The theme of the 2024 edition of Green Ghana is growing for a greener tomorrow, and the set target is to plant 10 million tree segments, as we did last year.

She said the target was maintained to concentrate on nurturing the over 40 million trees that had been planted in the last three editions.

Nana Agyemang Prempe
h encouraged the people to nurture the seedlings planted, adding ‘planting the seedlings does not end the process, but it should be nurtured to maturity.’

She advised the public to plant their seedlings at places, which will be available forever, otherwise the tree may be cut down and it will defeat the purpose of the Green Ghana Day.

She said the Forestry Commission was pursuing one of its objectives of the Green Ghana project to inculcate in the youth the need to plant and nurture trees.

In this direction, the Commission had engaged students of the Burma Camp Cluster of Schools in Accra, youth groups, and students across the country to urge them to be part of the initiative.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Maher Kheir, said Green Ghana Day was very significant as it was not only to plant trees, but also to address the serious environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation and pollution.

‘Our planet is in trouble and Ghana, like all our c
ountries, is feeling the effects. Climate change is changing our weather, affecting our farms and misleading our jobs. Deforestation is destroying our forests, harming wildlife and reducing our natural resources,’ he said.

‘Pollution is making our water, air and soil dirty, which is harmful to our health. But today, it’s not just about recognizing these problems, it’s about committing to solutions and taking action to protect our environment for future generations. On this Green Ghana Day, we need to understand that we all have a role to play,’ he added.

He urged all stakeholders to play their roles to ensure change was achieved.

‘Every person, community and organization can help. Small actions, when done by many, can lead to a big change. To fight climate change, we need to use renewable energy, be more energy efficient and support eco-friendly transportation.

To stop deforestation, we need to plant more trees and protect our forests to keep our land green. Pollution needs our immediate attention. We sho
uld reduce waste, recycle more and use fewer harmful chemicals,’ he said.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps inspected the trees they planted in the past three years at the Ghana Seismological Observatory Center.

They later planted more trees at the Achimota Forest Reserve as part of activities to commemorate this year’s GGD.

Some members of the Executive Management Team, Board Members, staff of the Forestry Commission, financial institutions, civil society organisations and members of the media also joined in the planting in the Forest Reserve.

Seedlings planted by the Diplomatic Corps included Militia, Tree of life, Mansonia, Teak and Mahogany.

His Excellency Maher Kheir unveiled a plaque for Green Ghana Day 2024 at the Achimota Forest Reserve.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in charge of the Volta/Oti Regions, together with a section of management and staff of the Company, has paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister at his office in Dambai.

Ms Christiana Jatoe-Kaleo, the General Manager, said the visit was to familiarize with the new Regional Minister, inspect their establishments and meet with staff as well as build strategic partnerships.

She said management and staff of ECG were committed to ensuring excellent customer service delivery to their clients and would work assiduously to achieve their corporate goals.

Deputy Superintendent of Prison (DSP), Mr Daniel Machator (Rtd), the Oti Regional Minister welcomed the team from ECG and commended them for their warm gesture.

He said citizens had over the years enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the nation’s power providers and expected continuous collaboration.

Mr Machator assured residents that the Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) was working with
the ECG over the current light bills, adding their intervention would remedy the situation.

‘ORCC would demonstrate its clearest indication to give up their support in the hope of bringing efficiency in ECG’s operations within the region,’ he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

The General Manager was accompanied by management members from the Regional Head office, including Mr Godfred Awuku, Regional Engineer, Mr Solomon Adjiku, Regional Commercial manager, Mrs Veronica Larbi Mensah, Regional Materials and Transport Manager and Madam Irene Mary Odame, District Manager at Dambai.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has committed GHS500,000 to an educational endowment fund in the Ga State to cater for needs of children in the region.

He made the pledge at a durbar held in his honour at the Ga Mantse Palace on Sunday when he paid historic royal visit to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, King of the Ga State.

The visit followed a similar courtesy paid by the Ga Mantse to the Manhyia Palace when the Asantehene marked his 25th anniversary on the throne.

The Asantes and the Gas have decades long relationship.

Otumfour Osei Tutu’s visit marks 78 years since Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II paid a visit to the Ga State on July 25, 1946.

The Asantehene, speaking through his linguist, urged traditional rulers in the Ga State to rally behind the overlord of the Ga community to ensure development.

He said chieftaincy was no longer about war and conquering territories, but a push for progress and development of the nation.

The visit, he noted, was to deepen the ‘love and friendship’ his predecessors h
ad maintained with the Ga people throughout the years and to explore other areas of collaboration for national development.

The Asantehene expressed gratitude for the massive show of love and solidarity extended to him by Tackie Teiko Tsuru II during his Silver Jubilee celebrations, and prayed for long reign of the Ga Mantse.

He said he looked forward to building stronger ties between the Ga State and the Asante Kingdom, and would continue to offer the needed support to King Teiko Tsuru II anytime he was called upon.

Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister, said the Ga State was proud to host the Ashanti King, and would tap into his rich expertise.

He described the Asantehene’s reign as ‘an epitome of peace and symbol of quality leadership’, saying the Ashanti King had made chieftaincy ‘beautiful’.

King Tackie Teilko Tsuru II thanked the Asantehene for the financial support and promised to deepen the relationship.

‘We must promote the interest of the Ga State…We are one peopl
e. We can get there if we remain united,’ King Tackie Teilko Tsuru stated, and asked political parties to ensure the December polls was peaceful.

Events at the forecourt of the Ga Mantse was a blend of Ga and Asante culture, witnessed by dignitaries from diverse backgrounds, amidst the display of rich tradition and the firing of musketry.

Dignitaries present were Mr Henry Quartey, Minister of Interior; Mr Adjiri Blankson, a former Mayor of Accra; Nii Kwatei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister, and Ms Elizabeth Sackey, Accra Mayor.

Others were Francis Asenso-Boakye, Mister of Roads and Highways; Sheik Armiyaw Shaibu, Representative of the National Chief Imam; Dr Lawrence Tetteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach; Ms Darkoa Newman, MP Okaikwei South; Mr. Mike Oquaye Jnr, CEO Ghana Free Zones Authority; Mrs Jean Mensah, Electoral Commission Chair, and Members of the Clergy and the Diplomatic Corps.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Charlotte Osei, a former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has been installed the Safohen of Cape Coast Nkum Asafo Number Four Asafo Company.

Mrs Osei, now known as Safohen Nana Ama Kesson, has undergone the various rituals to become the leader of that Company.

The Oguaa Traditional Area has seven Asafo Groups (local military) whose mandate is to protect the town from both internal and external attacks.

They are Bentsir No.1, Anaafo No.2, Ntsin No.3, Nkum No.4, Brofomba No.5, Akrampa Bo.6 and Amanful No.7.

The Groups display their prowess and energise the celebration of Oguaa Fetu Afahye, held in September, every year.

The festival is a significant annual event in Cape Coast, celebrated in the first week of September, attracting a large crowd of people from across the globe.

Prior to the Fetu Afahye, the paramount chief of Oguaa undergoes seclusion to seek guidance from deities. During this period, drumming, dancing, noise-making, and revelry are prohibited in the township and fishing in the
Fosu Lagoon is banned for a month.

A key ritual of the festival involves the paramount chief and traditional priests offering libations to the deity Nana Fosu and symbolically lifting the ban on lagoon fishing by casting his net into the waters three times.

The climax of the Fetu Afahye occurs on the first Saturday of September, featuring a lively procession through the community with dancing and festivities, concluding an ecumenical service.

Source: Ghana News Agency

AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in collaboration with the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Tarkwa, has organised a symposium to discuss ways of preserving and protecting their cultural and natural heritage for future generations. 

The programme, sponsored by the Mine, was on the theme: ‘Preserving and Protecting the Cultural and Natural Heritage Assets of the People, the Role of Mining Companies’.

Addressing youth groups and students at the event, Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee,

the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in a speech read on his behalf, commended CNC and National Youth Authority for the initiative, stressing that the theme underscored the essence of their collective responsibility towards safeguarding those invaluable treasures. 

He said their cultural and natural heritage represented the very fabric of their identity and served as a testament to their rich history, traditions, and values. 

‘For Iduapriem Mine, we are committed to making a positive contribution towards an ensu
ring world, and therefore, we recognize the immense value of the cultural and natural heritage with our host communities,’ he said. 

He said: ‘We are cognizant that these assets are not only a source of pride and identity for the people, but also play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability. We, therefore, bear a profound responsibility to ensure their preservation and protection for the benefit of current and future generations. 

‘The responsibility extends beyond mere compliance with regulatory requirements; it is a moral imperative that lies at the heart of our commitment to sustainable development and responsible mining practices.’

Mr Pobee said the Mine had developed management standards and procedure to guide its operations, including reclamation of disturbed lands, proper waste disposal and tailings management to prevent runoffs to streams and water bodies. 

In addition, they have a management standard on cultural heritage and sacred sites
, which provide key requirements to ensure that best practice was employed in the protection of cultural heritage and sacred sites in the course of their business. 

‘As a Mine, we affirm our unwavering commitment to working hand in hand with stakeholders to ensure that our activities contribute to the preservation and promotion of our cultural and natural heritage, leaving a legacy of sustainability and prosperity for generations unborn. 

‘By empowering our youth to become advocates and ambassadors for conservation and sustainability, we can ensure that our heritage remains vibrant, resilient and cherished for future generations,’ he added.

Professor Cecilia Addei, Dean, Faculty of Integrated Management Science from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, noted that protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage assets was crucial for maintaining a community’s history, identity, and traditions. 

She said Environmental Impact Assessment, compliance with regulations and standards, he
ritage surveys and inventories, adaptive management plans, collaboration with conservation organizations, community development and benefit sharing, legacy planning and rehabilitation among others were some of the measures mining companies could adopt to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage assets of the people. 

According to Prof Addei, if mining companies adhered to all the points raised above and more, they would be able to mine responsibly and still maintain the cultural heritage. 

Mr Samuel Kwasi Asare, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Director for CNC, on his part, explained that the programme was held to educate the youth on the importance of their cultural heritage. 

‘If you come to Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, we have a site where Sir Charles MacCarthy was killed, at Aboso Housing we have the first mining pit and also we have the Neung forest reserve, which have peculiar things associated with it, but we have not made good use of them. This is why CNC is calling on individuals, mining co
mpanies and other institutions that we all have a collective responsibility to ensure our cultural heritage is protected,’ Mr Asare said.

A panel discussion was held where representatives from AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa Mine and Ghana Manganese Company Limited, gave details on how they have actualized commitments in the mining industry to their operations. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, has called on stakeholders in the land restoration space to collaborate with the Regional Coordinating Council to reclaim all degraded lands through tree planting in the Region.

He said Illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’ and other human activities had contributed to the destruction of many areas, including forest reserves in the Region.

‘These large tracks of lands will require restoration and tree planting, so I, therefore, invite stakeholders in the land restoration space, including miners to assist the WRCC and its partners to restore all degraded lands in the Western Region,’ he added.

The Minister made the call when he led a tree planting exercise at Subri River Forest Reserve, in the Wassa East District of the Western Region, as part of the Green Ghana Day project.

The 2024 edition of the Green Ghana Day is under the theme: ‘Growing for a Greener Tomorrow.’

Mr Darko-Mensah was joined by heads of security services in the Region
, traditional and religious authorities, students and heads of departments, among others, to plant the tree seedlings.

He said the Green Ghana Day held massive significance in promoting environmental conservation and sustainability in Ghana, and served as a reminder of the urgent need to protect Ghana’s natural resources and combat the effects of deforestation and climate change.

He said: ‘By actively participating in Green Ghana Day, individuals and communities can contribute towards restoring and preserving the country’s forests, reducing carbon emissions, and creating a more sustainable future.’

Mr Darko-Mensah encouraged the citizenry to embrace the beauty and significance of trees and cultivate the habit of regular tree planting, while working together to build a greener and more resilient forest resources.

He asked the Forestry Commission to put in place efficient measures to protect and sustain the trees planted to help achieve the intended results.

Mr Emmanuel Boakye, the Wassa East District Chie
f Executive (DCE), noted that trees played a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance and combating climate change, hence the need for all to show commitment towards conserving forest reserves.

He pledged the Assembly’s resolve to put in place strategic mechanisms to protect the trees to help promote environmental sustainability in the area.

Nana Gyenin Kontanko II, Chief of Wassa Odumasi, commended the government for instituting the Green Ghana Day initiative, and said it was a step in the right direction of conserving the environment.

He said the traditional rulers in the District would join forces and devise strategies to protect the forests from illegal mining and lumbering activities to contribute towards restoring and preserving the country’s forest reserves.

In all, about 250,000 tree seedlings would be planted in the Western Region to commemorate the Green Ghana Day.

Source: Ghana News Agency