Kumawu District Manager of the Forest Services Division, Alfred Yabepone
The Kumawu District Manager of the Forest Services Division (FSD), under Ghana’s Forestry Commission, has issued a passionate plea to citizens and stakeholders in communities bordering forests to step up and actively assist FSD staff in protecting and managing the nation’s vital forest cover.
Mr. Alfred Yabepone, speaking to the media, emphasized that while the Forestry Commission and its dedicated personnel are entrusted with the crucial task of managing Ghana’s forest resources, their work is significantly enhanced through strong collaboration and partnerships. He specifically highlighted the importance of involving communities that live in close proximity to forests across the country.
Mr. Yabepone noted the significant progress made in the Kumawu forest district over the past two years, particularly in relation to the Green Ghana afforestation program. He attributed this success directly to the effective engagement of stakeholders and the fostering of robust public-private partnerships.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to traditional authorities and leaders of the eight Municipal and District Assemblies within the Kumawu forest district, for their responsiveness and willingness to collaborate.
He made it clear that maintaining and building on the positive trend in tree cover and green vegetation in the district is contingent on continued collaboration. “If we can sustain this level of partnership,” he said, “we can further improve our forest landscape.”
Reinforcing Mr. Yabepone’s optimism, Ms. Elizabeth Gabienu, the Assistant District Manager (ADM), shared impressive statistics. She proudly stated that the district surpassed its 2023 Green Ghana target.
The initial goal was to plant 240,000 seedlings but, by the end of the planting season, a remarkable 257,939 seedlings were verified as having been planted. These included 144,430 seedlings across 130 hectares of degraded forest reserves and an additional 113,504 seedlings in off-reserve areas throughout the Kumawu forest district.
