Offinso District Chief Executive Officer (DCE), Hon. Haruna Usif says he sees no sense in observing the tree planting exercise where the government on the hand, has allowed "known" people to destroy the nation’s forest reserves, therefore, referring to the Green Ghana day as contradictory and woefully unreasonable.

According to him, Nana Ado has failed to protect the environment and our resources such that “these familiar people” have utterly destroyed about 7 forest reserves in the country yet no one has been arrested for the damage caused in spite of Prof. Kwabena Frimpong’s report.

“It is ironic to know that the President has failed to protect the environment yet initiates a tree planting exercise.  We have entrusted our lives, hope and resources in the hands of the government for safekeeping but he keeps looking on whilst these bigwigs exploit our forest reserves, and now Akonta mining, among others continue to destroy our virgin forest.” Hon Usif cried.

Commenting on His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo’s open displeasure about the chief who refused to rise when the national anthem was recited at the University of Ghana during the Green Ghana Day exercise, the Offinso DCE defended the chief hinting that he might have been suffering from a complication which made him unable to stand as was demanded of everyone present.  

In a widely circulated video, Prez. Akufo-Addo was seen angry because the chief had allegedly refused to respect the national anthem. The chief was supposedly seated as everybody stood whilst the anthem was played. 

“Maybe there was something wrong with him. The President did not inquire yet he was furious. He should have handled it diligently by sending someone to caution the chief. But displaying public disgust like that is not good for someone like him.” Hon. Usif told Omanhene Yaw Adu Boakye.

Mr. Usif criticized Prez. Nana Ado Dankwa for flaring up and emphasized the relevance of temperament in governance and leadership.

“A nation is not ruled with anger. That is the real nature of the President. Character is seen in action. At best, the President could have tamed his frustration, waited until the event was over, before assigning someone to approach the Chief to inquire about the reason behind his failure to rise whilst the National Anthem was being played.” He added.

The Green Ghana Day which was held on June 9th was a commemorative exercise organized to encourage tree-planting and reforestation programs. The program was attended by government officials, social leaders, media men and other high profile personalities.

 Listen to the full interview here