Standard Chartered Bank plants 1,000 trees

Standard Chartered Bank has embarked on a tree planting exercise to enhance the ecological functions of the Sakumo Ramsar Site in Accra.

The exercise was in collaboration with Friends of Ramsar Site, a Non-Governmental Organisation, which seeks the protection of Ramsar sites in the country.

The two-hour exercise attracted staff of the bank from the Accra and Tema branches and the Head Office.

The exercise is in line with the bank’s employee volunteering activities that are geared towards advocacy and development of the society.

The tree species planted were 800 Cassia species and 200 Mahogany which can withstand dry weather conditions and have green foliage.

The main objective of the exercise was to contribute to the sustainability of the environment, beautify the environment and more importantly support the national effort of urban afforestation.

The site, which covers an area of 1,365 hectares, serves as a sponge which holds water in the area for sometime before it gets into the sea gradually. It is also a flood buffer for surrounding communities namely Sakumuno, Lashibi, Klagon, Communities 12, 11, six, five and three.

It also serves as a breading place for over 70,000 migratory birds.

Mr Richard Agorkpa, the Executive Director of Friends of Ramsar Sites, said the Sakumo Ramsar Site was gradually losing its ecological value due to encroachment.

He entreated Ghanaians to help protect the country’s forest reserves.

Source: GNA