In commemoration of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, the Chief Medical Examiner of Sierra Leone, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Dr Simon Owizz Koroma, who is also a proud alumnus of the West African Methodist Collegiate Secondary School (WAMCOL), on Monday, June 1st, 2026, planted ten non-fruit-bearing trees within the school compound in Freetown.
Speaking at the official tree planting exercise, Director of Media Initiatives for Climate Change and the Environment (MICCE), Martha Kargbo, stated that tree planting is one of the organisation’s key activities to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day on 5th June 2026. She further noted that trees play a vital role in keeping the environment safe and healthy.
Madam Kargbo maintained that the tree-planting exercise in schools was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the critical role trees play in protecting the planet from the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
She called on international and local non-governmental organisations to support the organisations to make the world a better place for all.
In his statement, Dr Simon Owizz Koroma expressed his appreciation to Media Initiative for Climate Change and the Environment (MICCE) for the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the environment, particularly within his alma mater. He emphasised that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and stressed the need for sustainable actions to ensure a safer and healthier future for generations to come.
He called on citizens to desist from indiscriminate tree cutting and encouraged communities to replace every tree felled with new ones. According to him, tree planting remains one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, improve air quality, and safeguard biodiversity.
‘Trees grow and provide oxygen for man. Man needs oxygen and breathes out carbon dioxide, which is good for trees,’ said the only government chief consultant for Forangies Pathologist Sierra Leone and number one in the African continent.
Dr. Koroma, an alumnus of the Collegiate Secondary School, climaxed the tree planting on the school compound by dedicating it at the heart of the junior school to past teachers who he said made him who he is today in the world.
The principals of the Senior Secondary School (SSS), senior principal Dr Koroma, and Junior Secondary School (JSS) Mrs Miranda Cole expressed delight and appreciation to Dr Koroma for giving back to his former school through this environmental initiative.
They described the exercise as a significant step in the right direction and noted that it serves as a valuable lesson for pupils on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The school authorities further encouraged pupils to take ownership of the planted trees and become ambassadors for environmental protection within their communities.
