Indigenes of Builsa have appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene and save iconic trees in Sandema following plans to cut them for a proposed road expansion project.

“We are appealing to President Akufo-Addo to intervene and save these trees; they help protect the environment and they are a cherished and treasured heritage trees preserved for years.”

“We have protected the trees with passion and want to continue to protect them. There are other options that are available for the road construction and we plead with the President to look at these options,” a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said on Saturday.

It was jointly signed by Chief of Siniesi, Nab Afulang Gilbert Apigjiak, and Mr Daniel Akanko, an opinion leader.

The statement said the trees, planted more than 100 years ago, had been described by environmentalists as critical to addressing the threat of extensive desertification facing the area.

It said the threat of desertification in Builsa was real, adding; “This is the time to preserve trees, not to cut them”.

It said the beautiful trees lined both sides of the road from Sandema Technical School through the Sandema township to the Old Primary School in Suwarinsa.

“They provide aesthetic view at entrance to the town, which is the capital of Builsa North District, and are a treasured cultural and tourism heritage for the people.”

The statement said the trees were among the first landmarks of Sandema and were admired for their imposing stems, trunks, big branches and lush canopies.

Builsa is located on the border of the Sahel Zone of the West African Sub-region and was already experiencing some desertification, it said.

Experts say such trees also “hold mudslides in check and prevent soil erosion, functioning as a natural drainage system. In the rainy season, their big roots absorb the puddles that gather on the pothole plagued road,” the statement said.

It said the indigenes supported the Government in upgrading the road but believed that the construction could go on without destroying the trees.