Asante-Akim Central: The Konongo Area Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Assembly, marked the 2025 World Environment Day with significant clean-up and tree planting activities at Konongo. Staff from various public institutions, including members of the security services, participated in a three-hour clean-up exercise at Konongo Lorry Park and the Central Business District. Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), also actively took part in the exercise.
According to Ghana News Agency, participants desilted choked gutters, swept the streets, and engaged the public on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In line with the national ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative, trees were planted at Konongo-Odumasi Senior High School, involving the students, to promote environmental sustainability. World Environment Day is observed globally on June 5 each year to inspire action among individuals, communities, and organisations toward environmental conservation and protection. This year’s national theme is ‘Repurpose Plastic Use.’
Rev. Aidoo emphasized that the Municipal Assembly aspires to become a model municipality free from filth and its associated health hazards. He noted that the clean-up and tree planting efforts would not be limited to World Environment Day but form part of a sustained campaign to promote sanitation and environmental protection across the municipality. He said it was heartwarming to see active participation from security agencies and public institutions, saying that their involvement underscores the importance of collective responsibility in keeping the environment clean.
On the tree planting initiative, the MCE highlighted the significance of targeting the youth, arguing that instilling the habit of environmental protection in students is vital. Mr. Dawood Abbas, Head of EPA Konongo Area Office, said the exercise was motivated by the alarming environmental impact of plastic waste. He stressed the urgent need to reduce plastic usage through innovative strategies and behavioral change. ‘Plastic products are meant to make life easier for us, but it is rather becoming a big problem, so we need to sit up and do something about it,’ he stated.
Mr. Abbas added that the survival and proper nurturing of the trees planted under the ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative would be closely monitored. Incentives would also be provided to students who take good care of their trees, he noted.