30 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMUNITIES FORMED IN UWR (NOV 6,

THIRTY Community Environmental Management Committees (CEMCs) have been formed in 30 communities in the Upper West Region.
Formation of the committees, which is part of procedures for the full implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), is aimed at empowering municipal and district assemblies and communities to reverse land degradation and desertification trends in the three northern regions.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who inaugurated the committees, stressed the need for the members to continuously build the capacities of the communities to effectively take decisions on matters related to the exploitation of the environment.
He enjoined members of the committees to mobilise the people to take practical actions on environmental enhancement activities.
Mr Khalid, therefore, urged them to undertake tree planting projects, environmental education and bush fire campaigns.
He attributed the fall in food production in the region in the past years to bad environmental practices, adding that the projected growth rate of 3.41 per cent for the crop sub-sector was yet to be achieved within the last few years.
The acting Regional Manager of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Asher Nkegbe, said sustainable sound environmental practices would enhance food production and also ensure food security for the three regions.
“It is in this regard that the agency is working to ensure effective collaboration among the various communities, non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and the district assemblies,” he stated, adding that the committees were meant to form the bases of the GEMP.
For his part, the Nadowli District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Abu Kasangbata, said as part of efforts to sustain the environment, the district was encouraging more people to go into afforestation.
He also advised the people to desist from burning bushes, especially during the dry season and also strive to protect water bodies in their respective communities.