As part of the activities towards the successful implementation of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative (T4L), the Forestry Commission Ladies Association (FCLA), has engaged in a tree planting exercise in the Chipa Forest Reserve, located within the Tema-Ada Forest District in the Greater Accra Region.
In a welcome statement, Mrs. Linda Ansah, District Manager, Tema-Ada Forest District, acknowledged the support of all present, considering the arduous journey to the Chipa Forest Reserve. She mentioned that some parts of the Reserve are degraded due to bush fires and sand winning by members of communities around the Reserve. The District Manager added that, the day’s exercise will involve planting 1,082 tree seedlings comprising Mahogany, Cassia and Albizia lebbeck to restore the demarcated degraded area.
Mrs. Winifred Ohene-Wiafe, Assistant Regional Manager, Greater Accra and National Secretary of the FCLA, in a statement, indicated that the Association is concerned with the reforestation of forest cover as was launched by the President of Ghana, H.E Jonh Dramani Mahama, in March at Nkawie, in the Ashanti Region. She entreated that persons engaged in forest illegalities, especially illegal mining (galamsey), need to put a stop to it and think about future generations in terms of food security, clean water and pure air to breathe, over the short-term monetary gratification from “galamsey”.
Madam Mary Balkono, the National Vice-president of FCLA also added, in addressing the gathering, that seedlings are still available for free pick-up at all Forestry Commission district and regional offices including the Head Office in Accra, encouraging further participation outside the Reserve.
Madam Rose Kennedy, Administrative Officer, FSD and member of FCLA shared her thoughts about the exercise. She stated that over the years, many trees have been planted by the FCLA but this year, a lot more trees were planted. “The exercise was very fruitful and I learnt something new about tree planting”, she added.
Other FCLA members, Mrs. Patricia Torgbor and Mrs. Anita Nuamah Badu both accounting officers with the Finance Department of the Forest Services Division (FSD) said, “the planting was fun, we are always in the office and have not been to Chipa Forest Reserve before – we wish to go planting again”. They mentioned that next year, FCLA should consider a planting exercise outside Accra.
The exercise drew staff from the Head Office, Greater Accra Regional Office and the Tema District Office.