Kasuli-Yili (N/R), Aug. 4,GNA – The National Youth Authority in collaboration with Youth Empowerment for Life and some youths are embarking on series of tree planting exercises in some selected districts of the Northern Region.

Some of the trees to be planted include acacia, teak, nim and other economic trees.

Mr. Shaibu Ziblim, Northern Regional Youth Coordinator, who was speaking at a ceremony where 4,400 trees were being planted at Kasuli-Yili in the Tolon/Kumbungu district while 11,000 trees would soon be planted in Yendi Municipality and Nalerigu in the East Manprusi district.

He said the trees which will serve as wind breaks and contribute to the soil’s vitality was also part of the ‘Greening Ghana’ concept being implemented by the government to recover the lost vegetation.

Mr. Ziblim said his outfit took advantage of the long vacations to attract about 100 youths in each of the districts to engage in the aforestation project which would cultivate a total of 12 hectares with four hectares in each district.

He said the Authority will also embark on a public education and sensitization drive about Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) and HIV to ensure the youth do not engage in risky live styles while at home for the holidays.

Alhaji Iddi Manza, District Chief Executive for Tolon/Kumbungu, revealed that the district last year planted 295 hectares and will plant 45 hectares as part of the greening Ghana concept.

He urged the people to dispel the misconception that “when one plants a tree, he/she will die before the tree grows” and plant more trees to save lives and to improve on their living standards.

The Regent of Kasuli-Yili Naa Abdulai Abukar commended the initiative and assured them that they were going to take good care of the trees to yield the full benefits.