A number of neem trees in Sissala East and West District appears to have been attacked by a strange insects that renders the leaves of the trees dry and sucks leaving most of them dry.
The neem has the botanical name as ‘Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent.
For the most parts of the Northern Ghana, they are common to find as they are used for their medicinal purposes and the shades they provide in most communities serves as grounds for social events in communities and schools.
A visit to Egala basic school in Tumu revealed a situation where most of the neem trees had shed off all their leaves even in the rainy season where they are expected to be healthy, but looks dried from the stem to the leaves after a deep look.
Similar reports have come from Bujan and Gwollu RadfordFM can confirm.
Residents say it’s the first time such a strain has attacked the trees that have existed for centuries that many use as a chewing stick, aside using it to cure fever.”Mma Lariba wants something be done about the situation”.
Radfordfm has drawn the attention of Environment protection agency in Tumu who have promised to draw the attention of the unit in – charge about the strange insects at headquarters Mr Wahab,the Director said.
The forestry Division of the forestry commission in Tumu have indicated plans to study the situation Mr Jasper the municipal director assured.
By: Balu Mohammed/Radford FM
I wish to correct a mistake in the write up about the neem trees dying in Tumu. I enjoyed the history bit of the story. ‘Residents say it’s the first time such a strain has attacked the trees that have existed for centuries …’
This is not correct. The neem tree was brought to Ghana in 1928 from India. This means that it has been in Ghana for less than a century. A hint of this fact is found in the scientific name of the plant.
Hope my correction is well recieved.