The Lambussie District Chief Executive, Mr. Ireneous Naawulle Basingbie, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and residents to tackle deforestation, warning that its continued rise is worsening climate change and threatening livelihoods.
He said the destruction of forests and advancing desertification pose serious risks to food security, water supply, and economic stability, making collective action necessary to protect the environment for future generations.
Mr. Basingbie made the appeal during a tree-planting exercise held at Lambussie Community Day Senior High School to mark World Environment Day and the 2026 Tree for Life Restoration Initiative. The event was organised by the Lawra District Forest Services Division under the theme “Forest and Economic, and Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investment.”
The programme brought together traditional leaders, security agencies, religious leaders, students, and heads of departments to promote environmental awareness and tree planting.
The DCE stressed that environmental sustainability requires shared responsibility, noting that deforestation has already contributed to declining agricultural productivity, poverty, food insecurity, and rural-urban migration.
He urged citizens to treat tree planting as a civic duty, adding that protecting existing forests is essential to safeguarding future generations.
Mr. Basingbie also reaffirmed government efforts to combat environmental degradation, citing initiatives such as the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, which are aimed at protecting land and water resources.
He further expressed concern about the ongoing cutting of economic trees in the district for charcoal and firewood, warning that authorities are working with traditional leaders and security agencies to curb the practice. He cautioned that illegal tree felling will attract sanctions.
The Lawra District Manager of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Victor Oduro, also encouraged communities to adopt tree planting as a cultural practice, describing it as essential for climate resilience and disaster prevention.
He noted that trees play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of climate change and called for sustained community participation in reforestation efforts.
