In an effort to safeguard the environment against the vagaries of climate change and challenges, the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Ghana has joined forces with stakeholders to celebrate the World Environment Day in Obuasi, Ashanti.
The celebration which was marked with series of activities, saw the AGA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders, planting over 2,000 trees to protect the environment.
In an exercise which took place at Obuasi community of Akaporiso, over 2,000 tree seedlings, including Mahogany, Cedrella, Teak, and Citrus, were planted, creating a prototype urban forest to inspire future generations. This initiative, according to the AGA, demonstrates the ongoing possibility of forest creation in our time. The planted Citrus trees will further establish an orchard within close proximity to the forest.
Additionally, the AGA organised an inter-school quiz competition among second cycle institutions in Obuasi to imbibe lessons about environmental protection on to the students.
In a running which featured ten schools in the catchment areas of the mining company, Asare Bediako SHS emerged winner, taking home laptops and trophies for their impressive performance.
All participating schools received valuable prizes, including projectors, projector screens, backpacks for contestants, and branded exercise books.
Winners from the Group Stage were further rewarded with tablets, while finalists received additional packages in recognition of their outstanding displays of knowledge and oratory skills.
Climaxing the celebration, Mr. George Owusu-Ansah, Senior Manager – Environment, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, reminded stakeholders on the need to safeguard the environment and the planet for unborn generations.
According to Owusu-Ansah, in the last few years, AGA had partnered with the EPA and other stakeholders to step up actions on some environmental challenges battling with communities in Obuasi amid public education and sensitization and environmentally friendly activities that focus on developing critical thinking and action around environmental themes.
This partnership, he continued led to the inter-school quiz environmental competition under the auspices of AGA, EPA and other partners. He subsequently congratulated Bediako SHS for emerging as winners of the competition.
“Together with the EPA and other partners, we have organized radio public education sessions, an Interschool quiz and debate competition which saw Apagya SHS and Asare Bediako SHS showcased compelling arguments, critical thinking and the brilliant exchange of ideas, on the motion: “The fight against desertification can be won”. I wish to congratulate Asare Bediako SHS for coming up tops.
In celebration which was marked with a theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”, the Senior Manager – Environment at the AGA, quoting United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), sounded the alarm bell about emerging environmental catastrophy, following growing global destruction of ecosystem, adding that it is going to get worse.
Taking his turn on the event, the Obuasi Municipal Director of the EPA, Prempeh Boakye Yiadom, called on stakeholders to join the crusade for a greener society.
This call, he noted would not only govern industries, but would also shape areas like agriculture, human development, prioritization of degraded lands among others. Mr Boakye Yiadom called for action now, adding that the responsibility is a shared one.
