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Minister launches 5th Forestry Week

By GNA
Social News Minister launches 5th Forestry Week
MAY 24, 2016 LISTEN

Accra, May 23, GNA - The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has urged Ghanaians to see the protection of the country's forest and water resources as a collective responsibility.

He said sustainable forest management is key for the supply of good quality fresh water, protection against natural hazards like floods or soil erosion and for combating desertification.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the 5th Forestry Week and Greening Ghana Day celebration, which started from May 21 and would run to May 27.

The week-long celebration is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders to commemorate the International Day of Forests, which falls on March 21 each year.

It is on the theme: 'Forests and Water for Sustaining Lives and Livelihoods.'

Mr Nii Osah Mills said the greatest challenge now is how to preserve the forest and water resources to ensure that they continue to provide the economic, social, cultural and environmental services to the current and future generations.

'The continuous degradation of the forest over the years has had very devastating effects on our water suppliers and rainfall patterns. This has resulted in acute annual water shortages in many communities including major urban centres throughout the country,' he said.

The Minister also complained about the use of poisonous chemicals for fishing in the rivers, streams and lakes and galamsey activities of few unscrupulous individuals to deprive the nation of water and forest resources.

Mr Samuel Afari Dartey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said March 21 is a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside the forest.

The UN, however, allows member states to adapt the date of the celebration of the International Day of Forests to suit their peculiar circumstances.

'In view of this, Ghana chooses the month of May every year for the celebration of the Day to coincide with the major rainy season,' Mr Dartey said, adding that the theme was meant to raise awareness on the multiple links between forests, water sources and human lives and livelihoods.

Activities earmarked for the celebration are Inter-Schools Quiz Competition on 'The Role of Forests in Protecting Water Bodies', on May 21, at the Forestry Commission Training Centre Akyawkrom, near Ejisu.

There would be a national colloquium on the Role of Forests in Protecting Water Bodies' on May 24.

The activities would be climaxed by a Grand Durbar and Greening Ghana Day, on May 27, at the Agona SDA College of Education Park, Agona, Ashanti Region.

The Minister led various groups, including the media to plant trees to mark the launch.

GNA

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