A nine-person National Timber Monitoring Team has been established by Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, as part of intensified efforts to stop illicit logging nationwide.
He referred to Ghana’s woods as a vital national resource that is nonetheless seriously threatened by illicit chainsaw operations and unapproved timber exploitation.
According to the Minister, the team’s duties include keeping an eye on the transit, trade, and harvesting of timber as well as closely collaborating with the Forestry Commission, security services, and local authorities to enforce forestry regulations.
Hon. Buah asked for shared accountability from government agencies, traditional authority, communities, and the corporate sector, explaining that forest conservation cannot be undertaken by a single institution.
“Forest protection is a shared responsibility, and this team must serve as the eyes and ears of the nation. Officers must not be compromised in the discharge of their duties”, he stressed.
The battle against illegal logging has been going on for decades, according to Dr. Hugh Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission.
He disclosed that some forest officials had been abducted by unauthorised chainsaw operators in recent years and had only been freed upon the return of seized trucks.
Dr. Brown expressed concern about the state of affairs and expressed hope that the new monitoring team will bolster current initiatives.
Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, the chairman of the National Timber Monitoring Team, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Forestry Commission for their trust.
Members are determined to supporting the fight against illegal logging, he said, while being aware of the hazards involved. He said the team would concentrate on boosting cooperation with important stakeholders, enhancing intelligence collecting, and reducing monitoring gaps.
“The task ahead is difficult, but we are determined to deliver on our mandate,” Alhaji Doku stated.
He urged people to oppose illicit activities that deplete forest resources and called for public support.
Source: newsthemegh.com