'AAA' plants 1000 trees in Maafi - Anfoe

Maafi Anfoe (VR), March. 10, GNA - The African Afforestation Association (AAA), a Non-governmental organization in partnership with the German International Cooperation for Development (GIZ) and other stakeholders have planted 1,000 trees at Maafi Anfoe in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

The project, estimated at 43,000 Euros is jointly financed by the GIZ and the local communities.

The four-acre project being the first of its kind in Africa is utilising a 'Water Boxx' technology to grow mahogany, mango, cashew, teak and orange among others and had been pioneered in Mexico, Chile and Jordan with positive results.

The 'Water Boxx' technology consists of a water-holding box through which the seedlings grow and could water the young plant for a year using five litres of water, making it ideal for planting during the dry season.

Togbe Dra-Aboetaka IV, Chief of Maafi-Anfoe who offered the land for the pilot project said it would be extended to 50,000-acre afforestation within the various communities in the District.

He said the vision when achieved, would create employment for the youth, protect the environment, check erosion, stop de-afforestation and generate income to improve living conditions of the people.

Mr Gunnar Fischer, Director, AAA said Ghana had been earmarked by the German Government for its climate change programme and that the 18-month project would employ 1,500 people and benefit 17 communities.

He said Groasis, the Holland-based producers of the 'water boxx' system was optimistic of producing them locally to reduce cost and appealed to stakeholders to contribute their quota towards a successful implementation of the project.

Mr. Fischer said the afforestation campaign would be extended to the northern parts of the country.

Madam Dzifa Attivor, a former Minister of Transport called on all stakeholders to come on board to broaden the scope of the project.

GNA