Accra, July 12, GNA - The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been urged to educate farmers to protect and preserve economic tree species on their lands during farming activities. Mr Christopher Owusu Marfo, 2008 National Peace Walker, also known as "Ghanaba" in a statement copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday, stressed the need to educate farmers to protect these trees that earns foreign exchange for the economy. The trees are odum, wawa, mahoganym and sapele. Mr Marfo said, in addition, the Forestry Commission should monitor activities of farmers and educate them on the importance of afforestation.

He pointed out that although activities of chainsaw operators were detrimental to the depletion of the forests, ignorance of the farmers on the destruction of the forests should be protected through education. Mr Marfo has decided to embark on a nationwide tree planting project in schools and currently undertaking feasibility studies in all project zones within the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

Already, feasibility studies have been undertaken in Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra Regions and suitable trees identified in collaboration with school authorities and students. It would continue in Brong Ahafo, Western, Central and Ashanti Regions. Actual planting begins in January 2011. Some of the trees to be planted include fruits, oranges, lemon, guava, mangoes and pawpaw to serve as nutritious foods for the students. The project is under the theme: "Afforestation to Provide Food Security" to restore the plating of fruit trees on school compounds in the past to serve as food, shade, windbreaks, medicine and to check erosion. 12 July 10