Following a challenge by the government to institutionss to plant more trees in support of its Greening Ghana Project dubbed ‘Agenda 5 million Trees’ to preserve the country’s ecosystem, management and students of the Accra Technical University (ATU) has embarked on a tree planting exercise at its Mpehuasem Campus. This follows a similar event at the Kinbu Campus in Accra.
The ATU’s Green Ghana Project seeks to demonstrate the institution’s commitment to the nationwide exercise aimed at ensuring that the future of the country is ecologically friendly with a green environment as trees remains vital to the survival of humanity.
Speaking to a across section of journalists after the planting, the Vice Chancellor of ATU Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, said the tree planting first took place at the Kinbu Campus as the second phase is being planted at the Mpehuasem campus. He used the occasion to urge students to plaint more trees in and around their environment.
“Government in this regard has stressed that the tree planting exercise will help conserve the country’s forest and enhance green environment.
“It is very critical that the trees are natured, cared and properly monitored, thus management and students must collaborate to ensure the growth of the trees to enable it achieve the purpose for which they were planted” the Vice Chancellor stated. He mentioned mahogany, royal palm among others as the species of trees planted to suit the varying needs of the environment.
He also tasked the university authorities as well as students to ensure that the Green Ghana Project achieves the desired goals.
He mentioned that about 100 of the trees were distributed through the benevolence of the Forestry Commission and some environmental advocates who supported the campaign.
Turning the spotlight on workshops and laboratories at the campus, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi said plans are far advanced for students to take advantage of the state of the arts machinery and equipments for practical purposes, explaining further that the campus comprises of administrative blocks, hostels, a clinic, sports complex, a conference hall, among others.
In another development, management used the occasion to tour and inspect the faculties, namely mechanical and engineering department, automotive engineering laboratory, computerized numerical control machine centre, welding and fabrication laboratory, electrical and electronic engineering and the interior design and upholstery technology laboratory.
By Ben Laryea