Dr. Daniel Akoto Sarfo, Head of the Department of Forest Science at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has issued a call for Ghanaians to take precautionary measures against the ongoing extreme heat experienced across the country.
Dr. Sarfo emphasized that Ghana is currently facing warmer climatic conditions as a result of climate change's impact. He advised citizens to proactively combat this by planting, owning, and nurturing trees, which play a vital role in mitigating climate change effects.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a Campaign March held to commemorate the International Day of Forest, Dr. Sarfo expressed deep concern about the rapid depletion of the nation's forest cover. He highlighted that extreme heat and Warmer Weather Conditions often lead to an increased prevalence of diseases, underscoring the importance of collective action towards climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The campaign march, organized by the Network for Women's Rights and Environmental Governance (NEWREG) and the Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), in collaboration with UENR and the Forestry Commission, aimed to raise awareness about the significance of forests and environmental conservation.
This year's celebration, held globally under the theme “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” highlighted the crucial role of forests in sustainable development and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Participants, including students from UENR and civil society actors, marched through the streets of Fiapre town, holding placards advocating for forest conservation and planting trees. They also planted tree seedlings at the Fiapre Kyem Amponsah Senior High School premises to mark the occasion.
Dr. Sarfo condemned outdated farming practices such as tree cutting and burning, as well as farming near river bodies, noting their detrimental impact on the environment and contribution to climate change. He emphasized the importance of promoting agroforestry as a modern farming strategy to restore depleted forest resources.
Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director of LEG, echoed Dr. Sarfo's concerns about forest depletion and urged citizens to become advocates for forest conservation and environmental sustainability.
Miss Peace Nyande, Deputy Convener of NEWREG, expressed gratitude for the support received from organizations like the Global Green Grant Fund (GGF) and LEG. She appealed for further assistance to enable NEWREG to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
The campaign march and associated activities underscored the urgent need for collective action to preserve Ghana's forests and combat the adverse effects of climate change for present and future generations.
