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General News of Tuesday, 10 June 2003

Source: gna

Okyenhene calls for preservation of forests

The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has advised Ghanaians to cultivate the spirit of tree planting, forest preservation and the protection of the environment for rapid socio-economic development.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said it was regrettable to learn that almost all the forests in the country had been depleted through activities of man.

This, he said, had gone a long way to promote environmental degradation, river pollution as a result of chain saw operators, illegal felling of trees and indiscriminate mining in many areas of the country.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said these activities had adversely affected the nation socially and economically and therefore, called on policy makers and the law-enforcement agencies to be extra vigilant to safeguard the situation.

He gave this advice at the fifth Environmental Day held at Akim Wenchi in the Kwaebibirem District at the weekend.

Osabarima Atwere Bediako II, Oseawuohene and Akim Wenchihene advised his people to solidly rally behind the Okyehene in his efforts to protect the environment.

He appealed to the government to find avenues of providing employment in the area by establishing sawmills to provide jobs for the people, especially the youth.

He also appealed to miners in the area to reclaim the lands they destroy through mining to presrve the environment