Magnus Opare Asamoah, Deputy Minister of Transport has assured Ghanaians to support the government's Green Ghana Programme by planting more trees on riverbanks, institutions and roadsides.

Mr. Asamoah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, said at the weekend at Aburi in the Eastern Region after he led the chiefs and the people to plant 600 seedlings of mahogany along the Akuapem Range/Tetteh Quashie road and from the "Little Acre Hotel" to Asuafum.

Trees were also planted at Aburi Adonten Secondary School, Aburi Presbyterian Women Training College and throughout the Aburi township.

Briefing newsmen after the exercise, Mr Asamoah said the exercise formed part of the Ghana at 50 Anniversary Celebration, adding that the trees would not only provide shade but protect rivers from drying, during Hamattan season, while some would be used as timber, charcoals and for other commercial purposes.

Mr. Asamoah said the trees would serve as wind breaks to save buildings from destruction during rainstorms.

He said the exercise would be extended to Nsawam and other towns within the District.

Otoobour Nana Djankwasi II Omanhene of Akuapem Anafoo, who accompanied the Minister, commended the Ghana at 50 Secretariat for providing the seedlings for the exercise.

Nana Djankwasi also thanked the Minister and the District Assembly for helping to organize the exercise.

He appealed to saw chain operators to desist from cutting trees along rivers to help preserve water bodies and the ecology.

Source: GNA