Accra, June 4, GNA - The Ministry of Environment and Science has stated that the built environment in Ghana was nothing to write home about, and has thus called for immediate remedial measures to avert a looming catastrophe in the country.

A statement issued by the Ministry to herald this year's celebration of the World Environment Day, which falls on Sunday, June 5, said the sprouting of unauthorised suburbs like Sodom and Gomorrah, the building of houses, mansions and churches on lands conserved for public use as parks, recreational centres, markets, schools, waterways and on the bank of rivers attest to indiscipline.

The World Environment Day is commemorated each year as one of the means by which the United Nations cultivates worldwide awareness on the environment and to draw the attention of policy makers and all citizens to the need to conscious of the environment in all development schemes and programmes.

The Day also provides an opportunity for the critical evaluation of the activities of humans that impact on the environment and the consequences of irresponsible environmental attitudes. The core motive of the celebration is to ensure sustainable development.

The Day, which would be celebrated under the global theme: "Green Cities- Plan for the Planet", seeks to draw attention to the need for tree planting in homes, offices and communities as well as the vital importance of proper planning of human settlements. Ghana's theme for the celebration is: "Green Communities- Healthy People".

The statement said activities planned to commemorate the Day in Ghana include massive tree planting in selected communities throughout the country, quiz competitions in schools on the environment, as well as tours to sand winning areas, landfill sites and composite plants. There will also be religious services and other awareness creating events.

The activities would be rounded up with a national durbar at the Mawuli School Park at Ho in the Volta region under the patronage of Vice President Aliu Mahama. 04 June 05