The CEO, Hon. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, (represented by Dir. Admin) joined the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Abu Jinapor and members of the Diplomatic Corps to take part in this year’s national tree planting exercise, Green Ghana Day.
The event, held at the Seismological Observatory in the Achimota Forest Reserve gave attendees the chance to see the progress of trees planted last year as well as plant new seedlings for 2022.
In a short speech, the minister praised Ghanaians for the support shown last year and called for continued efforts to ensure that Ghana meets its target goals in the fight against Climate Change. He also thanked the foreign dignitaries for their support and stated that their participation reiterates the fact that the challenge we are facing is a global one. It was heartwarming to see the BPA tree planted last year is healthy and thriving.
Meanwhile, staff of the Bui Power Authority (BPA) at the Bui Generating Station, also commemorated the Green Ghana Day with the theme ” Mobilizing for a Greener Future” by planting tree seedlings.
At a short ceremony before the tree planting exercise, Mr. Wumbilla Salifu (Director, Estates) reading a speech on behalf of the CEO of BPA, Hon. Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, said “BPA, as Renewable Energy Leaders in the Sub-region, is conscious of the impact of climate change on hydropower generation and therefore, a ‘Forest Resource Enhancement Program (FREP)’ was developed in 2012 around the Bui and the Tsatsadu Generating Stations to ameliorate the threats”.
He further stated that, concerted efforts are needed in building climate resilience and the Authority is proud to be associated with the Green Ghana Day.
Mr. Chrisentus Kuunifaa (Deputy Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment) and Ing. Cyril Ankrah also emphasized the importance of tree planting within the Bui enclave notably to control and protect against soil erosion, reservoir siltation, sedimentation, build climate change resilience, improvement in precipitation, create more carbon sinks and a general enhancement of the ecosystem, etc.
In complementing the Government’s efforts, BPA initiatives in line with the Green Ghana Project were outlined as follows:
To plant a total number of 20,000 species of seedlings secured from the Forestry Services Division, Sunyani.
To establish an additional 1,000-acre plantation to enhance the ecosystem and combat Climate Change menace within the Bui Enclave.
Collaborating with the Department of Parks and Gardens to transplant all indigenous economic trees from our proposed Solar Sites instead of the traditional total clearing of lands for solar projects being practiced (A pilot tree transplanting project is ongoing).
In collaboration with the Forestry Commission and other key stakeholders, bye-laws have been formulated to protect and conserve the gallery forest/woodlots and plantations being established around and also to curb the over-exploitation of the 26 indigenous economic tree species found within the Enclave.
Annually, to establish at least 160 acres around BPA operational areas, amongst others.
Partner with the Ghana Education service to establish Environmental Clubs in the schools to embark on woodlots establishment and conservation practices.
The Staff of the Authority were joined by Hon. Jacob Pambo, Jama Assemblyman, some Officers from the National Security Detachment stationed at BGS and Personnel from the Ghana Fire Service as well as some students from BPA & Jama Junior High Schools.