Dr Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, Member of Parliament for Ekumfi District in Ghana, has launched an agriculture and environment drive by distributing 35,000 coconut seedlings to farmers, households, and traditional leaders in his constituency.
This initiative seeks to empower households economically, safeguard the environment, and establish Ekumfi as a prominent centre in Ghana’s rapidly expanding coconut industry.
During the launch ceremony, Dr Kwainoe expressed concern over persistent coastal erosion that has destroyed farmlands and homes in the area. He described the coconut tree as a natural shield against environmental degradation.
“Along our coastlines, we see the painful story of erosion, houses swallowed, and communities forced to retreat. But we will not fold our arms in despair. We will fight back with knowledge, with innovation, and with the strength of nature itself,” he said.
He noted that coconut trees would not only serve as a barrier against coastal erosion but also improve soil fertility, absorb carbon, and provide long-term climate protection.
Dr Kwainoe highlighted the economic importance of the coconut, calling it the “tree of life” with countless benefits, including food, oil, drink, crafts, and renewable energy. He urged his constituents to leverage the growing global demand for coconuts to create jobs and increase local revenue.
“With these seedlings, we are taking steps to make our district a hub of coconut farming, processing, and marketing. This will create jobs for our youth, open markets for our women traders, and bring more revenue to our local economy,” he said.
The MP also pledged to introduce additional agricultural initiatives in the coming weeks, including improved inputs and farmer training to modernise agriculture and strengthen environmental protection.
Local chiefs and farmers welcomed the gesture. Nana Gyaasi, Chief of Ekumfi Ebiram, praised Dr Kwainoe for his vision, saying, “Coconut farming will not only restore our lands but also restore the pride of Ekumfi. Our people will remember this day for generations.”
Source: Ghana News Agency
