Ketu North: Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), spearheaded a symbolic tree-planting exercise at Wovenu Senior High School (WOSSET) in Tadzewu and Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School (DZOSEC) in Dzodze. This initiative is part of the activities marking this year's World Environment Day and the National Tree Planting Exercise.
According to Ghana News Agency, the EPA aims to kickstart an environmental advocacy campaign through this initiative, focusing on cultivating future environmental champions. During her address to students and staff, Prof. Klutse emphasized the crucial role of the youth in crafting a sustainable future. She highlighted the environmental challenges facing Ghana and urged collective effort in safeguarding the environment.
Prof. Klutse cautioned against the detrimental effects of environmental degradation on health and life expectancy, encouraging students to actively engage in environmental protection. She noted that the mango and coconut trees planted would provide food and help purify the air. The theme for this year's World Environment Day is 'Ending Plastic Pollution: Repurposing Plastic Use,' with an emphasis on recycling plastic waste into valuable products.
Prof. Klutse expressed concern over the low supply of recyclable plastic waste to recycling companies and urged households and institutions to separate plastics from other waste types. She pointed out the long-lasting impact of plastic waste on agriculture and the environment.
Addressing the students, Prof. Klutse stressed academic focus and personal discipline, advising against distractions and encouraging them to take pride in the trees they plant. She suggested that students name and care for their trees as they grow together.
Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, underscored the significance of the tree planting initiative, urging students to nurture at least one tree. He also announced plans to equip senior high schools in Ketu North with modern computer laboratories and donated streetlights to improve campus security.
Prof. Klutse supported school development projects with cash donations to both WOSSET and DZOSEC. Rev. Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu North, also encouraged students to commit to long-term tree care. Both schools expressed gratitude for being part of the exercise and pledged to uphold environmental stewardship values.