GEMP project records appreciable results- EPA boss

19-11-13   

Regional EPA Boss, Mr Asher Nkegbe

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, DFATD, formerly the Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA, have met in Bolgatanga to deliberate on desertification issues in the three northern regions of the north. The round table meeting was to afford community members the opportunity to share experiences, lessons and good practices on the implementation of the Ghana Environmental Management Project, GEMP, and the Ghana Sustainable Land and Water Management. Addressing participants, the Upper East Regional Minister,  Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru expressed appreciation to the World Bank and its donor partners was taking a bold step to support the implementation of the GEMP project, which he noted had been made to benefit about 200 communities of Northern Ghana. He said the impact of the project has been greatly felt by beneficiary communities as they have come to the realisation that the environment was fragile enough for them to neglect. More so, they have deem it necessary to protect, rehabilitate and manage it sustainably to ensure their survival. Alhaji Mohammed Muniru also observed that under the phase two of the project, communities have become more responsive and are currently managing to cope with the harsh and unpredictable environment. Women on the other hand have been supported and encouraged to appreciate the relevance of forest conservation. He however urged participants including stakeholders in the land sector to support government in its bid to combat environmental degradation since it cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. The Regional Director of the EPA, Mr Asher Nkegbe expressed worry about the behaviour of the people towards their campaign to reduce land degradation and desertification in the region. He therefore cautioned the various departments to be steadfast in all their endeavours to help eradicate degradation and desertification in the region. Mr. Asher Nkegbe later commended the various departments and the Canadian government for their support.  The meeting was attended by dignitaries including the Chief Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr Sylvester Anemana and the Chief of Kayoro who also represented as the chairman for the occasion. Stakeholders including small holder farmers drawn from the three regions of the north were also present to share their experiences.

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