10/17/00 -- 'Chiefs Must Ensure Forest Conservation'

'Chiefs Must Ensure Forest Conservation'

Prof. Barfuo Akwasi Abayie Boaten I, of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, has urged chiefs to take pragmatic measures to conserve the forest and prevent further environmental degradation.

Prof. Boaten said that the chiefs should lead the crusade to preserve the environment as enshrined in the constitution of the land. Prof. Boaten, who is also a chief, was speaking at a round table discussion at the GNAT Hall, organised by the Green Earth Organisation, a local NGO. He charged fellow chiefs to advise colleagues on the proper management of the environment with particular attention to the forest.

He said, as traditional rulers, they should conscientise their subjects to avoid agricultural practices, which will endanger the future of the forest. According to him, the future of the forest coincides with the future development of the nation as well as a healthy environment.

He cautioned chiefs to institute proper agro-practices which could be adopted by their subjects in order to halt the unnecessary acceleration of environmental degradation. Moreover, Prof. Boaten called on the government to empower the chiefs to ensure their rights as enshrined in the constitution of the country.

Charcoal burning, the chief warned, is one of the industries that is causing severe destruction of the environment and deprives some citizens of their livelihood. He cautioned those involved in such a business to grow their own trees if they want to burn them.

A participant from the United Nations Development Programme called for the definition of traditional power, vis-a-vis that of the government to ensure that the chiefs play their rightful role in society.

Another participant blamed the chiefs for failure to implement their role as traditional heads, by selling their lands and walking with their stools.

They, however, called upon stakeholders to incorporate programmes which will improve the development of the forest and prevent environmental degradation. Error: Unable to read footer file.