Tropenbos Ghana marks International Day of Forests (IDF) with school children in Bia West district

The IDF celebration ended with a ceremony to award pupils who participated in an art competition which was launched ahead of the IDF. Over 70 entries were received from the schools. Five artworks were shortlisted and the 2 top drawings selected for award. Alexander Adjei from Lamplighter school emerged the overall winner. Marthra Beyonce from Debiso JHS ‘A’ came in second. For their outstanding submissions, Alexander and Marthra received a cash reward, certificates, and exercise books. The remaining contestants were also given exercise books and certicates of participation.

Marthra Beyonce, one of the winners had this to say during the event; “Often times, when we think of our connection with forests, we forget that the water we drink, notebooks we write in, medicine, our buildings, and the pencils we use are part of the benefits we derive from forests. We are connected to forests in many ways than we can imagine. Losing our forests means losing all these benefits. There is so much we can do to halt deforestation to secure our forests for the future.” She pledged to be a climate action advocate and to teach others about the need to preserve the country's forest reserves.