Nkoranza, (B/A) Dec. 4, GNA - A foundation which seeks to promote the sound development of the youth and to save the environment from destruction, Christian Relief and Development Implementation Committee for Mutual Aid Foundation, has been inaugurated at Nkoranza. Mr. Kofi Adjei, a retired educationist, currently based in London, is the patron of the organisation, founded by religious leaders in the Nkoranza South District.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Adjei noted that environmental destruction, including land degradation, posed serious threat to national development because fertile lands had been destroyed by human activities. "It is unfortunate that as a result of illegal and indiscriminate tree felling and bush burning, Ghana's forest lands have lost some of its fertility for enhanced agricultural production so the organization will encourage the people to undertake tree planting towards the re-forestation of depleted lands in the Nkoranza District," he said. Mr. Adjei said the organisation would seek financial support from foreign organisations towards its activities. Mr. Jonathan Obuor Wiredu, Kintampo Area Plantation Manager, commended the religious leaders for their efforts to save the environment and called on the people to lend their support by protecting trees in their communities.

He gave the assurance he would offer the necessary technical assistance and support for the activities of the organization. Mr. Mac Lawrence Ahiadu, Nkoranza South District Director of Agricultural Services, in a speech read for him, urged the youth to undertake tree planting exercises to improve their economic well-being and asked the religious leaders to use the pulpit to educate the people to protect trees. In a welcoming address, Pastor Richard Duncan, secretary of the Foundation, said it would also counsel the youth to shun engaging in social vices such as drug abuse, illicit sex and armed robbery. He said the Foundation would promote the cultivation of economic trees such as teak, cashew, mango and oil palm and appealed to traditional authorities to release lands to the youth towards the project. Nana Okufo Agyapong 111, Adontenhene of Nkoranza, who presided, commended the organizers of the Foundation for their "foresight and good intentions for the development and well-being of the youth".