Navrongo District Forestry Manager advocates tree planting for economic benefits
Forestry Commission urges communities to protect economic tree species under Tree for Life campaign
The Navrongo District Manager of the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission, George Boamey, has called on the public to prioritise tree planting, highlighting the significant economic and commercial benefits associated with trees.
Speaking at this year’s Tree for Life initiative held on Friday, June 5, at Our Ladies of Lourdes Senior High School in Navrongo, Boamey stressed that trees serve purposes beyond environmental conservation and can contribute substantially to livelihoods and economic development.
Using the shea tree as an example, he noted that it remains one of the most valuable economic tree species due to its wide range of industrial and commercial uses.
“You see this shea tree we are sitting under; it is of great economic value. It has a value that exceeds cocoa in some segments of the global market and has varied uses in the shea industry,” he said.
Boamey expressed concern that despite their economic importance, shea trees are often felled for firewood and charcoal production, threatening their sustainability and the livelihoods they support.
He reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s commitment to ensuring the survival of planted trees and protecting forest resources within the district.
He indicated that the Commission had put in place measures to safeguard trees and preserve the environment, urging students and community members to become champions of environmental protection.
“We mean action, and we are going to take drastic measures to ensure that these trees survive as we continue to plant more,” he stated.
The Headmistress of Our Ladies of Lourdes Senior High School, Mary Amana Akampoi, pledged the school’s commitment to supporting the Tree for Life initiative and ensuring the nurturing of the trees planted on campus.
She, however, appealed to the government and philanthropic organisations to assist the school with mechanised boreholes to improve water supply for both students and the maintenance of the newly planted trees.
Tree planting activities were carried out at the end of the event to commemorate the occasion.
The programme brought together the Municipal Chief Executive for the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly, Faustina Akeyom Abulu, staff of the Assembly, heads of departments, security agencies, traditional authorities, officials of the Forestry Commission, students, and staff of the school, as well as other stakeholders committed to environmental sustainability.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna
