Obuasi, June 9, GNA - Speakers at a forum organised under the theme: "Your Planet needs - Unite to combat climate change", at Obuasi, urged Ghanaians to protect the environment from degradation. The event, initiated by Anglo Gold Ashanti (Obuasi) Mine, was to commemorate this year's World Environmental Day. The speakers said proper maintenance and protection of the environment would guarantee a longer lifespan for humankind and check desertification and unfriendly climatic changes. Mr. John Alexander Ackon, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, in a speech read on his behalf, said every citizen had a role to play to ensure a clean and safe environment.

He said the country had experienced floods and global warming and "every body should play his or her part in combating this global environmental menace".

Mr. Keith Faulkner, the Managing Director of the Obuasi Mine, in a speech read on his behalf, said the company was commitment to sound environmental practices and that the successful implementation of its environmental management systems would hinge on public support and participation. He said "As employees and inhabitants of Obuasi, it is your prime responsibility to support and participate in programmes concerning the environment, such as tree planting exercise", and asked the people to refrain from illegal mining. The General Manager of Shaft Radio at Obuasi, Ms. Victoria Owusu, who spoke on "the role of the media in environmental management," called on the media to inform and educate the people about sound environmental practices. Mr. Thomas Quarcoe, the Municipal Education Planning Officer, called for the early education of children on environmental issues to enable them to grow with it. 9 June 09