Mankranso: The Reverend Augustine Dabo, the Chairman of the Hotspot Management Board (HMB) of the Ahafo Ano Hotspot Interventional Area (HIA), has called upon Ghanaians to support and contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change in the country. The HIA operates under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP).

According to Ghana News Agency, Rev Dabo made this appeal during an interview on the side-lines of an HMB meeting held at Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. He emphasized the importance of tree planting and urged both the public and farmers to engage in this activity to help restore depleted forests, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance food productivity.

Rev Dabo, who is also the Founder of the Royal Disciples of Christ Ministry, highlighted that tree planting and reforestation have the potential to increase rainfall patterns, protect buffer zones, and boost agricultural activities, thereby improving food productivity.

He noted that with support from the World Bank, the GCFRP has drilled 18 boreholes and provided 1,680 dual desks and 600 teachers’ desks to schools across 18 communities within the HIA operational area. The programme is also in the process of distributing cutlasses and Wellington boots to farmers in the region.

Rev Dabo condemned the rising illegal mining activities that are causing extensive damage to the environment and natural resources. He also spoke against illegal logging, bush burning, and other harmful practices that contribute to climate change.

The GCFRP encompasses six HIAs nationwide, including Ahafo Ano, Asunafo, Kakum, Sefwi Wiawso-Bibiani, Juaboso-Bia, and Atiwa in the Ashanti, Ahafo, Central, Western North, and Eastern Regions, respectively. The programme primarily aims to educate farmers and the public on environmental and forest preservation, protect buffer zones, and provide logistical and technical support to farmers to help mitigate the impact of climate change in the country.