Accra, Jan. 5, GNA- The Environmentally Concerned Citizens Association of Ghana has pledged to continue its tree planting programme this new year and the years to come 'until Ghana becomes an evergreen country'. A statement signed by Mr Joseph Yaw Aidoo, National President said the dream of ensuring that the tree planting programme covers every corner of the country could only materialize when there is a high sense of cooperation between government officials and the NGOs involved. "We intend to wage a relentless war on all fronts to ensure that the right things are done the right way until Ghana becomes an evergreen country."

The statement said it was unfortunate that the activities of illegal tree felling in some district were done in the past with the connivance of officials 'in high places' and called on Ghanaians to join hands in the tree planting exercise to replace all felled trees. The executive members of the Environmentally Concerned Citizens Association of Ghana expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the government institutions and agencies that helped them during the year 2003.

It mentioned the Ministries of Environment and Science, Local Government and Rural Development, Forestry Services Division, Ghana Education Service and the media. The statement also thanked the traditional rulers for the assistance they offered members of the Association during its tours in 2003, adding that its focus for 2004 would be tree planting and sanitation.