Kumasi, July 23, GNA - Celebration of World Environmental Day in Ashanti Region was launched on Wednesday in Kumasi under the theme "Plant a Tree-Reduce Global Warming". As part of the celebration, 10 basic schools comprising nine schools in Kumasi and one in Bosomtwe District were supplied with 3,800 seedlings made up of Militia Acacia and Teak species for planting in schools.

Mrs Philomena Boakye Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that Ghana, like many other countries had lost large hectares of rain forests over the years. She said the rate of loss in Ghana was about 70,000 hectares per annum and forestation could not cover the rate of deforestation. Mrs Appiah said this had contributed towards the build-up of carbon dioxide gases in the atmosphere adding, "it is for this reason that global and national themes for 2008 Environmental Day celebration are 'Kick the Habit Towards a Low Carbon Economy and 'Plant a Tree-Reduce Global Warming'".

She stressed that as individuals and corporate entities, "we can do our part by slowing the phenomenon through urban tree planting, forestation projects and energy efficiency practices both at home, workplaces and the transport system. Mrs Appiah urged Ghanaians especially the pupils participating in the tree planting project to monitor and nurture the seedlings to fruition adding officials of EPA would also monitor the exercise to ensure its success. She announced that prizes would be awarded to deserving schools. Mrs Edith Abruquah, Manager of Ashanti Regional Forest Service Division said matters relating to environmental degradation needed to be addressed at all levels by all stakeholders. She appealed to Ghanaians to collaborate in the fight against deforestation in the country. 23 July 08