Kumasi: The Second Biennial Media forum on Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change and Science (BiM-NECS Forum 2) aimed at empowering the media towards safeguarding the ecosystem has been held in Kumasi.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Media Platform on Environment and Climate Change (MPEC) in collaboration with Afro-Sino Centre of International Relations and the Steminist Foundation Ghana, hosted the forum on the theme: 'Ecosystem Restoration, the Politics, Science, Human and Economy: a Deliberate Choice'. The event saw participation from senior journalists and editors from Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Ashanti regions, with additional journalists joining virtually from across the country.

Mrs Mary Ama Kudom-Agyemang, the Executive Director of MPEC, emphasized the importance of building media capacity to empower them in contributing to the restoration of the depleted ecosystem. She highlighted the media's crucial role in preserving forests and the environment, noting that the BiM-NECS Forum was conceived in 2023 as a platform for media practitioners in Ghana and other parts of Africa to reflect, debate, and share experiences regarding their role in the governance of natural resources, environment, climate change, and science.

Madam Afua Serwaa Akoto Prempeh, an environmentalist and Principal Project Manager for Proforest, highlighted the serious threat facing the nation's forests and environment. She called for effective collaboration between the government, media, and stakeholders to address illegal mining activities impacting the country.

Mr Kinsley E. Hope, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, praised MPEC for organizing the forum. He expressed optimism that the initiative would empower and inspire the media to use their platforms to combat environmental challenges.