Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has called for stricter control of animals roaming in urban areas, saying the measure is necessary to ensure the success of tree-planting initiatives aimed at addressing flooding challenges in the country.
His comments come in the wake of recent flooding incidents in parts of the capital that displaced residents and prompted the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other agencies to demolish structures considered to pose risks to lives and property.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, June 8, Prof. Gordon stressed the importance of sustained tree-planting efforts as part of broader measures to mitigate flooding.
He cited examples of countries that have successfully mobilised citizens to plant and maintain millions of trees, noting that Ghana could achieve similar results with coordinated action.
Prof. Gordon, however, expressed concern about the destruction of newly planted trees by animals that roam freely in cities and communities.
“I have complained several times about the tree-planting exercises, and we don’t control the animals we have in the city. You plant trees, and someone’s cow or animal will come and chew the leaves off,” he said.
According to him, tree-planting programmes cannot succeed in isolation and require collaboration among various stakeholders, including local authorities, residents and livestock owners.
“It cannot be looked at in silos. Everybody needs to work together if this is going to have an impact,” he added.
Prof. Gordon’s remarks form part of ongoing discussions on measures needed to address flooding, environmental degradation and climate-related challenges in urban areas.
